Winter is nearly over and spring will be here soon. On March 12, 2017, the clocks will move forward one hour. While you and your family may be thrilled with the fact that you’re going to have more daylight in the evenings, there are a few things you need to take care of in your home before you start planning backyard cookouts, bike rides an get-togethers.
The National Safety Council has compiled a safety checklist to help you prepare your home for spring.
Check smoke alarms
When you change your clock, this is the perfect time to check your home’s smoke detectors to be sure they have fresh batteries and are functioning properly. After you change the batteries, be sure to test each alarm to make sure it still works like it should.
You should have a smoke alarm installed inside every bedroom in your home, in the hallway and on every level. Check every single one of them for functionality. It may be a time-consuming chore, but your family’s safety is worth it.
Carbon monoxide detectors
It’s also smart to swap the old batteries out of your CO detectors this time of year. There should also be a test function for the alarm, the same as with your smoke alarms, which you can use to check functionality.
You should have a carbon monoxide detector installed on every level of your home, including in the basement and attic.
Practice your family emergency plan
Be sure that everyone in your family understands your escape plan should there be an emergency in the home, such as a fire. Make sure that you have a communication plan in place, as well, so that your family understands who to contact to make sure everyone has safely left the home.
With spring weather soon approaching, it’s also a smart idea to make sure your family knows what to do in case of severe weather.
Check your first aid kit to be sure it is filled with fresh supplies. Check the expiration on medications and creams to make sure they are still safe for use.