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.

  1. 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.
  2. Double-check fire extinguishers. Make sure your fire extinguishers are ready for use in an emergency.
  3. 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).
  4. 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.
  5. Properly discard any hazardous materials which are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition.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.
  6. 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!