Once the rains start falling you will need clear gutters to keep the water flowing. Clean out gutters by scooping out loose debris, then washing out the gutter with a hose, and finally flushing out the downspouts (or call a service to clean out the gutters). Once they are clear, you might consider installing gutter covers. These covers allow water to flow through, but keep leaves and other debris out, saving you time next year.

Cold Winter months can do a number on exposed pipes. To protect your pipes, wrap and insulate them with heating tape. Check pipes for leaks and cracks so that minor repairs can be made now before major damage occurs.

Winter storm winds can turn fragile tree branches into deadly objects. Falling limbs damage homes, cars or even injure people. Autumn is a good time to check your trees and other landscaping for weak branches. Trim branches that hang over your home or that look like they may snap.

Take advantage of the pre-rainy season to have your chimney and furnace checked. Servicing them once a year can prevent smoke damage to your home. Also don't punish yourself too much by keeping super cold temps--make sure to keep your home temperature at 65 degrees or more to prevent pipes from freezing.

Save money on your heating bills this Winter by checking the insulation in attics and basements. Insulation traps heat, keeping your home warmer. The Insurance Information Institute (III) recommends that attics be 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside air to prevent snow from melting and re-freezing--possibly damaging your roof.

We weren't born in barns, so make sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed when closed by checking the weather stripping. Use weather stripping on doors and caulk your windows to prevent heat from escaping in cold months--it will also save you money on your energy bill. This is also the time to put up your storm windows, if you have them.

Did last years storms knock over your fence? Did you prop it up and call it good for the Summer? It is best to make home and yard repairs in the Fall, if you haven't already, so that they don't get worse come Winter. That wobbling fence may stand fine right now, but the first Winter storm could spell disaster--and who wants to go fix the fence in a downpour?

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover Winter disasters like ice dams, wind damage or burst pipes. Make sure your home is protected this Winter, and all year round, with the best homeowners insurance policy and rate.