For many parts of the country this winter is expected to be a doozie. Now is a good time good time to get ready for cold weather, before the temperatures take a nose dive.

• Turn off the water to hoses and lawn sprinklers so the pipes don’t freeze and burst. Be sure to drain residual water from the outdoor faucets, hoses and spray nozzles and disconnect all accessories.
• Remove leaves from the lawn so they don’t kill your grass, and remove the leaves from your gutters.
• Cover your outdoor furniture or store it inside –  if you have room.
• Give your grill a good cleaning before covering it or storing it for inside the garage or shed for the winter.
• Clean your mower and drain the gas. Also, change the oil, check the spark plugs and consider having the blades sharpened so the mower is ready to go next spring. If you have a battery-powered mower, you’ll need to charge it periodically throughout the winter so the battery stays fresh.
• If you live in a heavy snow area and own a snowblower, turn it on to make sure it works. If you haven’t had it serviced, consider taking it to the dealer now (before you need it) so it will be ready to roll when the first storm hits.

Visit the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute site for safety tips.