Twice a year, when Daylight Saving Time begins or ends, make it a habit to not only change your clocks, but do these semi-annual tasks that will improve safety at home and work.
- Test and replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace any smoke alarms older than ten years and any carbon monoxide alarms older than five years.
- Double-check fire extinguishers. Make sure your fire extinguishers are ready for use in an emergency.
- Prepare a disaster supply kit for your house (water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets). Once you’ve created your home disaster kit, use the semi-annual time change to check its contents (including testing/replacing flashlight batteries).
- Make a car emergency kit now and put in your vehicle. It is a good idea to carry a car-emergency kit in your car year-round, but be sure to add cold-weather gear to your general car emergency kit each fall. In cold weather, even a very minor car problem or flat tire can be miserable to deal with, unless you are well prepared.
- Properly discard any hazardous materials which are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Move any which are within reach of kids or pets.
- Check and discard expired medications. Some very common over-the-counter medications can cause serious problems due to changes over time.
Make time for this short safety checklist!
