Fall is a wonderful time in California - if your home is ready for it.

Yes, this is the time of year to fix small problems before they become big, and big ones before they become catastrophic. Here are 10 tips to help:

• Look up. Examine your roof closely. Remove moss, clear debris from your gutters and downspouts, and repair any damage.
• Look down. Check for signs of animals and insects around your home and garage, including in the crawlspace. Bring in a professional to get rid of unwanted guests.
• Keep things warm. Heat escapes through leaks around windows and doors, so seal up any drafty areas. Outside, put covers over faucets before temperatures drop.
• Keep things dry. Drain outdoor hoses, faucets and irrigation systems. Look in the crawlspace for wet spots. And, make sure your water heater isn’t leaking.
• Clear the air (or vents and filters, at least). When’s the last time you checked your dryer vent? You should take a look at attic vents and exhaust ducts, as well. And, change that furnace filter!
• Take a walk. Cracks in your driveway or walkways will only get bigger, so get them fixed soon. If your deck has signs of wear, make repairs now.
• Get a tune-up. You or a professional should clean and tune your furnace, and water heater, as well as your oven and range.
• Don’t play with fire. Before building your first fireplace fire of the season, check for soot or creosote build-up.
• Don’t play with fire extinguishers, either. But, check them to ensure they still have pressure. Don’t have fire extinguishers? Put them on your shopping list, ideally one for each floor.
• Don’t forget those smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Replace batteries when needed, and test regularly that alarms are working. 

Keeping your home insurance policy in tip-top condition is smart, too. Remember to check in with your agent at least once a year to update your policy so you’re covered for your new remodel, additions or personal possessions.