HUNTINGTON -- For many folks, August and September are like the beginning of a new year.

The school year starts, the football season is upon us, and we begin to realize that fall is in the wind. All of these things require preparation but the season change will have the biggest impact. Fall is the time we ready ourselves for the coming of Old Man Winter.

While it may be hard to think about with temperatures soaring, swimming pools still open and Labor Day cookouts still on the calendar, a little early preparation can go along way.

One of the first things most of us begin to consider is getting our outdoor space ready. Lawns need seeding and fertilizing, bulbs need planting, some shrubs need a final trim, and everything is going to need one really good watering before the first frost. This is also a good time to divide perennials like iris and hostas so they have room to flourish next spring. The special care we take in the fall will offer great rewards in the spring.

Cleaning up summer debris is a fall chore that will make the April clean-up less intense. One needs to winter outdoor furniture by either bringing it indoors or covering it tightly with a tarp so it is not subject to the ravages of winter. Clean out the planters and store them so water doesn't freeze in them during the winter months and cause breakage. If you have a container garden, then you might do some research as to what winter care should be.

Just before we launch into winter is a great time to clean out the garage or the storage building. This allows summer garden tools to be moved to the rear and snow blowers and shovels to be moved to the front. By doing this in the fall, you don't have to climb over wheelbarrows in February to get to the wood splitter. Speaking of wood splitters, be sure the chimney has been properly cleaned before winter demands that first fire.

Leaves are the bane of many a homeowner's existence in the fall. They drop and they drop and they drop, which means raking is a necessary chore. Though it is not everyone's favorite duty, getting the leaves up insures a prettier lawn next year. Even more important is cleaning them out of the gutters to prevent structural damage.

As we begin to dig around in closets for winter coats we might note there are more spider webs than usual. Like the friendly mouse, spiders and other bugs are looking for a snug place to winter, and your house may be their refuge. Before the influx begins, check your home for rotting wood or damaged door and window frames that would grant these critters entrance into your cozy abode. Most of the time a bit of caulking will do the trick. If you still notice more bugs than you like, a bug bomb for your house might be an avenue you want to investigate.

Its also time to think about changing your outdoor décor. The changing tree colors will invite you to add some mums, pansies and other fall flowers to your landscape. The door decoration should match the season and reflect the natural colors so prominent this time of year. Adding a few pillows with nature's colors to your outdoor furniture can keep your seating area in tune with the season.

Finally, one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is change the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. This is one of those better safe than sorry household tasks. All of the these chores will help make your property safer and nicer for next spring.