A short list of fall tasks goes a long way toward preventing the most common winter roof problems, and none of them require climbing onto the roof yourself.
Clean gutters after the bulk of leaf-drop is done, and confirm downspouts are directing water well away from the foundation. Look at your attic for adequate insulation depth and any gaps around vents, pipes, or the attic hatch itself, since these are common places for heat to escape and contribute to ice dam formation later in winter. Trim tree limbs that overhang the roofline, both to reduce debris buildup in gutters and to reduce the risk of limb damage during ice or heavy snow.
If it’s been a year or more since your last roof inspection, fall is a good time to schedule one — it lets you address anything found while weather still allows for comfortable, efficient repair work, rather than waiting until a problem forces an emergency call in the middle of a winter storm. A roof that heads into winter in good shape, with clean gutters and solid ventilation, is far less likely to need attention during the season when repairs are hardest to schedule.