The rain has started falling; the wind is picking up. There is no denying that autumn is here and winter is coming quick.

With the rain and wind comes work to prepare your home for winter. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear - especially as the leaves begin to fall. Same goes for any drains around your property. Don’t forget about curbside catch basins - while not “your job” it only takes a couple minutes to clear the leaves and you could save you and your neighbors a big headache.

Any roof problems? Get them dealt with now! Any tiles or shingles loose? Get a qualified roofer to repair them now before their blown off and you get a leak.

Make sure all your outside taps are turned off from the inside and then drained. These can freeze and burst if left filled with water.

Water and wind claims are common this time of year. Most of the losses could have been prevented with just some simple maintenance.