Of course the number one thing to do at Daylight Savings Time is to adjust your clock, but there are a number of other things that are a good idea to do at this time of the year. So, this weekend when you set your clocks take some time to do these other useful tasks.
1. As you know, and as I have already mentioned, adjust your clock. – One hour forward for Spring (“Spring Forward”) and one hour back for Fall (“Fall Back”).
2. Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. – Take the time to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have fresh batteries. Making sure to replace and test these devices twice a year can be the difference between life and death. Flames can consume a home in as little as five minutes, and the risk of dying in a fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Make sure to help any elderly loved ones in your life as well.
3. Clean out your dryer vent and ducts. – Lint lodged in the vent pipes, the space behind the dryer, and ducts outside your home is very often the cause of dryer fires.
4. Flip your mattress. – To make sure your mattress wears evenly, you should flip it every six months. If you have a pillowtop mattress just rotate it 180 degrees instead of turning it over.
5. Wash your pillows. – Oils from your face, dead skin, and dust mites accumulate in your pillow over time, so they need a good cleaning twice a year. If you have owned a pillow for more than two years consider replacing it.
6. Drain your water heater. – Most water heaters have a spigot at the bottom to connect a garden hose to so that you can drain out the water. Draining the water heater helps to remove sediment buildup that can reduced heating efficiency.
7. Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator. – Dust buildup on refrigerator coils degrade it’s cooling ability. Use a vacuum with brush attachment to remove the dust to keep your refrigerator running efficiently.
8. Clean out your medicine cabinet. – Dispose of any prescription medication that is expired or no longer needed. You can search FDA.gov for how to safely dispose of medications.
9. Rotate your wardrobe. – Rotate Spring and Summer clothes to the front of your closet and move the Fall & Winter items to the back. This will give you easier access to the items you will be wearing most over the coming months. This is also a good time to clean out the items you no longer need or wear and donate them.
10. Check and stock your emergency kit. – Make sure you have a good supply of charged batteries, Band-Aids and bandages, antiseptic, and other first aid supplies. If you don’t have an emergency kit put one together now so that you’ll have it when needed.
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