Time change a good reminder to get ready for fall, winter

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

As you prepare to “fall back” with the end of Daylight Savings Time, it is a good opportunity to move forward on getting your home ready for fall and winter.

“Associating certain tasks with Daylight Savings Time is an easy way to remember to do some of those routine, but important, tasks around the house,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist.

This year, Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 a.m. on Nov. 2.

Besides setting your clocks back one hour, take some time to change the batteries in all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Rather than tossing or recycling those used batteries, repurpose them for service in toys, media players and other electronics.

Fall also is a good time to check light bulbs and light fixtures around the house.

“Making sure the house is well lit, especially at the tops and bottoms of staircases, makes it easier to move around and cuts the risk of someone falling or tripping,” Peek said. “To save a little money, replace burned out or malfunctioning bulbs with more energy-efficient options.”

Your home’s heating and cooling systems should be serviced once a year, too. So if you don’t get around to scheduling an appointment in the spring, now is the time of year to check that task off the to-do list.

The end of Daylight Savings Time is an appropriate time of year to assemble or refresh and restock your emergency preparedness kit.

“If there is an emergency, the last thing you want to do is waste important seconds and minutes scrambling for necessities. Preparing ahead of time could save your life,” Peek said.

Specifically, check the expiration dates of food items already in your kit. Remove any products about to expire, add them into the current food supply so they can be eaten and update your kit with fresher items.

Do not forget to include fresh water, add a new set of extra batteries and test the flashlight. Make sure the change of clothes in your kit is appropriate for fall and winter.

Finally, review and practice the family emergency plan as well as go over your list of emergency contacts and update it, if necessary.

For more information on preparing your home for fall and winter, contact your local county Extension office.