Minnesota Home Safety Steps as We Fall Back This Weekend

Daylight Saving Time comes to an ends this weekend, officially at 2:00 am Sunday morning. It's a good time to focus on some home safety measures as we head into the winter.

You know the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." When I think about Daylight Saving Time either starting or ending, I think of changing the batteries in our smoke detectors -- but that list has gotten longer.

So either Saturday or Sunday, as you wind your clocks back one hour, use this checklist to ensure you, your family, and your home are safe this winter.

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Al Payton, CenterPoint Energy Vice President of Safety and Technical Training says,

As the seasons change and temperatures begin to cool down, now is the perfect time to fall into a habit of checking and changing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Daylight Saving Time Home Safety Tasks

• Change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If you change these batteries and test them twice a year, you'll always know you're in good shape.
• Changing the filters in your furnace: Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your HVAC system, so swap out or clean filters to minimize costly repairs down the road.

• Schedule routine furnace maintenance: Having a professional inspect your heating system regularly can help lower heating bills and extend the life of your furnace.
• Clean dryer vents: Help prevent fires and keep your dryer running efficiently by clearing lint out of the tube that goes from the appliance to the outdoors. Some newer dryers have air-flow testing built in.

• Seal air leaks by caulking and weather stripping: To save energy and reduce cooling/heating costs, take time to caulk areas in and around your home where conditioned air may escape or warm or cold air may enter.
• Check emergency kits: For items like nonperishable food, water, flashlights and other battery-powered devices, daylight saving time is a great reminder to check that supplies are up to date.

By taking small steps to prepare for colder weather, you can make a big difference in the safety and energy efficiency of your home.