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Remember the fallen. Honor those who serve. Teach the next generation the value of freedom. 

Winterizing your home is essential to ensure that it remains warm, energy-efficient, and protected during the colder months. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you prepare your home for winter:

1. Inspect Your Heating System:
• Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system to ensure it’s working efficiently.
• Replace air filters and clean vents.
2. Seal Leaks and Gaps:
• Inspect windows and doors for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps.
• Install door sweeps to prevent drafts at the bottom of doors.
3. Insulate Your Home:
• Add insulation to your attic and walls, especially if your home lacks proper insulation.
• Consider using draft stoppers at the bottom of doors and windows.
4. Protect Pipes:
• Insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing. Use pipe insulation or heat tape.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut off outdoor water valves.
5. Check Your Roof:
• Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Replace as necessary.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
6. Fireplace and Chimney Maintenance:
• Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.
• Ensure the damper is working properly, and consider installing a chimney cap.
7. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
• Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Test detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly.
8. Prepare Your Windows:
• Consider using thermal curtains to help insulate windows.
• Install window film to reduce heat loss.
9. Service Your Lawn Equipment:
• Drain the fuel from lawn mowers, trimmers, and other outdoor equipment.
• Store these items in a dry place.
10. Winterize Your Air Conditioning Unit:

• Cover or remove window air conditioning units.
• If you have a central air conditioner, cover the outside unit.
11. Check Insulation in Crawl Spaces:
• Ensure that the insulation in crawl spaces is intact and in good condition.
12. Prepare for Winter Storms:
• Stock up on emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food.
• Make sure you have a snow shovel and ice melt for walkways.
13. Programmable Thermostat:
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate heating when you’re away.
14. Reverse Ceiling Fans:
• Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to circulate warm air downward.
15. Check Your Generator:
• If you have a generator, ensure it’s in good working order and has enough fuel.

Remember that the specific steps you need to take may vary depending on your location and the type of home you have. It’s always a good idea to consult with professionals for tasks that require expertise, such as heating system inspections and chimney cleaning.

October’s got it! From Car shows to Payson’s 50th Anniversary Celebration to Aero Fair to a Monster Mash. The month is packed with family fun.

Preparing your home for wildfires is essential to reduce the risk of damage and keep you and your family safe during a wildfire event. Here are steps you can take to make your home safer:

Create Defensible Space:

Clear away dead vegetation, leaves, and other flammable materials from your yard, creating a buffer zone around your home.
Trim trees and shrubs to create at least a 30-foot defensible space around your home. This helps slow the spread of the fire and reduces the chances of it reaching your property.
Roof and Eaves:

Use fire-resistant roofing materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or tile. Avoid wood shakes or shingles.
Keep gutters and roofs free of leaves, pine needles, and debris that can easily ignite.
Siding and Exterior Walls:

Use fire-resistant siding materials such as stucco, brick, or cement fiberboard.
Avoid wood or vinyl siding, which can be highly flammable.
Vents and Eaves:

Install ember-resistant vent covers to prevent embers from entering your attic or crawl spaces.
Seal gaps between eaves and roofs to prevent embers from getting inside your home.
Windows and Doors:

Install dual-paned or tempered glass windows, which are less likely to shatter in intense heat.
Use fire-resistant exterior doors with a tight seal.
Decks and Patios:

Build decks and patios with fire-resistant materials, or consider fire-resistant coatings.
Remove flammable vegetation and materials from around these areas.
Chimneys and Spark Arresters:

Install spark arresters on chimneys to prevent embers from escaping.
Keep chimneys and stovepipes clean and in good repair.
Water Sources:

Maintain a well-functioning hose and water supply that can reach all areas of your property.
Consider installing a rooftop sprinkler system that can wet your home and surrounding areas during a wildfire.
Storage and Outbuildings:

Store firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from your home and in a fire-resistant storage shed.
Keep outbuildings and sheds clear of debris and vegetation.
Emergency Supplies:

Create an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and important documents.
Make sure all family members know the location of this kit and have a designated meeting place.
Evacuation Plan:

Develop and practice a family evacuation plan. Know multiple evacuation routes and have a designated meeting point outside your neighborhood.
Stay informed about local fire conditions and evacuation orders.
Insurance and Documentation:

Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers wildfire damage.
Keep important documents, such as insurance policies, birth certificates, and passports, in a fireproof safe or a safe deposit box.
Community Efforts:

Participate in community fire prevention programs, such as Firewise USA, to collectively reduce wildfire risks in your neighborhood.
Stay Informed:

Monitor local fire and weather conditions, and follow any evacuation orders or recommendations from authorities.
Remember that no preparation can guarantee complete protection from a wildfire, but taking these steps can significantly reduce the risk to your home and increase your chances of staying safe during a wildfire event. Always prioritize safety and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
FirewiseHowToPrepareYourHomeForWildfires

Need a contractor for a big job or a tradesperson for something smaller? Here are a few tips to help with your search.

1. Seek Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues who have recently renovated their homes. Ask them about their experiences with contractors.
2. Review Online Platforms: Utilize online platforms like Yelp, Angie’s List, or HomeAdvisor to read reviews and ratings from previous customers. Look for contractors with consistent positive feedback, especially regarding their pricing and professionalism.
3. Request Quotes and Compare: Contact multiple contractors and ask for detailed quotes for your specific project. Look for contractors who provide clear and reasonable pricing with explanations behind the costs. Avoid those with shockingly low prices, as it may indicate low-quality work or potential hidden costs.
4. Check References: When you narrow down your list of potential contractors, ask each one for references from previous clients. Contact these references to inquire about their experiences, including whether they would hire the contractor again and what strengths and weaknesses they noticed during the renovation.
5. Verify Licenses and Insurance: Ensure that any contractor you consider hiring is properly licensed and insured. This information can provide an extra layer of security and professionalism.
6. Meet in Person: Schedule meetings with the contractors you are seriously considering. Use this opportunity to discuss your project in detail and gauge their responsiveness, communication skills, and overall professionalism.

Remember that finding the right contractor is crucial for a successful renovation. Taking the time to research, seek recommendations, and compare different options will increase your chances of hiring a reputable contractor who fits your budget and delivers quality work.

Just moved to Rim Country? Or maybe you need a new adventure? Here are some ideas for fun things to try in the Payson area.

Play Tourist
From the Zane Grey Cabin and Rim Country Museum to Fossil hunting, fishing or exploring Shoofly Village Ruins, Payson is packed with adventure. See if there is something new for you to try!

Take a food tour
Try a new restaurant. Be adventurous and try a dish you haven’t tried before. Payson’s Saturday morning Farmer’s Market with its many vendors is a good place to start.

Go Geocaching
Treasure hunting and exploring all at once.

Attend a Local Game
Check out the Sports Schedule for Payson High School or Middle School and support your local teams.

Take a step out of your comfort zone and explore something new.