This has nothing to do with going to the doctor or the dentist, so you don’t have to dread this kind of check up. This is just a discussion of routine maintenance for a few important home items as the weather changes and we move closer to the end of the year.
Safety Equipment
Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Many have built in testers to see if they are working properly. Also, be sure to check the batteries, even in detectors that are wired to an electric power source. If the power goes out, it does no good to have battery backup if the batteries are dead.
Have fire extinguishers checked and maintained and if you have a generator, be sure it’s in good working order as well.
Don’t forget to check the light bulbs and batteries in flashlights, and the batteries in emergency radios. Many people make the mistake of thinking severe weather isn’t much of a concern in cooler months, but not only can winter weather be severe, but there have also been tornadoes and other catastrophic events not generally associated with fall and winter. It’s better to be prepared.
Spring Ahead, Fall Back
Don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time has changed and has been extended by nearly one month. This year, it began the second Sunday of March instead of the first one in April, and it will end on the first Sunday in November (November 4 at 2:00 a.m.).
What does Daylight Savings Time have to do with check ups? It makes a great reminder for giving important items a check up twice each year at around the same time, the beginning and the end of Daylight Savings Time. It also means it will be dark out earlier in the evening, so plan accordingly.
More Tips
For ten more tips on getting ready for cooler months, check out Top Ten Tips for Seasonal Organization, Part I and Part II.