Spring Forward and Change Your Batteries

For most of us in the United States March 11, 2012 we’ll be losing an hour of sleep as we spring forward for Daylight Savings Time.

Besides this really messing up our bodies and throwing our kids all of whack it’s a great reminder to not only check your homes smoke and carbon monoxide detectors but to actually change the batteries.

Here are a few tips for you since you’ll have an extra hour of daylight!!!

Smoke Detectors:

Many just “check” their batteries by pressing the test button but fire safety officials say that you actually need to change them. That means putting a fresh battery in and pressing the test button to be sure the battery is working and not defective.

Cabon Monoxide Detectors:

If you don’t have any in your home, especially near the bedrooms, now is a good time to invest in one or two. Your furnace can give off too much carbon monoxide which is gas that you can’t smell or see so carbon monoxide detectors are very important – the difference between life or death.

Air Conditioning Units:

Over the winter you have hopefully had your A/C unit covered. If not, now is the time to check it for damage from snow and ice. Look for loose cables, rust, and other environmental wear that will need repair before the hot, muggy months arrive.

Furnace Filters

This is also a great time to remind yourself to change your furnace filter. Some need changed monthly, quarterly or every six months so make sure you mark your calendar with the next change needed. In addition to this vacuum around the unit and all the vents throughout the home. If it’s been a number of years since you’ve had your furnace and A/C unit and duct work serviced watch for ads with offers for cleaning and tune ups.

Outside Toys & Gear:

If your kids have had some remarkable growth spurts throughout the winter you may want to make sure that their bikes, helmets and other safety garments still fit. Spring consignment sales are a great place to pick up some of these including larger bikes. Get your bike tires filled; don’t forget about dad’s lawn equipment that may need a tune up.

So go put that sticky note someplace you will see it Saturday night and enjoy the extra hour of daylight!

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Alaina Frederick

Alaina Frederick, publisher of Dinker & Giggles, loves helping to create a healthy environment for her four boys and husband. Her favorite time of year is winter - trees blanketed with fresh snow, hot cocoa in hand, and a great book completing the package.

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