Springing forward: A safety checklist for around the home and in your car

The weekend most Canadians spring forward one hour is also the ideal time to tackle seasonal safety projects. A lot of the routine maintenance on your home and car should be done twice a year, so what better time to start checking items off your "to-do" list?

Around the house

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test both devices to make sure they are in working order.
  
  Tip: Don't toss the batteries; there may still be juice in them. They can be used in children's toys, media players or electronic devices. Squeeze out every drop of power, then recycle them.



• Check your furnace's filter and replace it if it is clogged or dirty. Your furnace filter should be cleaned or replaced at least every two months during the heating season.



• Clear all your gear away from the furnace. Access to your furnace, and the area around it, should be clear of obstructions no matter what the season.



• Clean gutters and downspouts to remove debris that may have accumulated during the winter. If clogged, spring showers can wreck havoc and possibly cause leaks.



• Hopefully you'll soon be using your BBQ. Check the tank and hose for leaks or cracks and replace if necessary. Don't forget to fill the tank up while you're at it because you never know when the weather might be ideal for the first BBQ of the season!



• Go through your medicine cabinet for expired medication. Your pharmacist should be able to either take your old medications or provide you with information about where to dispose of them.



• Inventory your home's first aid kit and replace items that are expired, or replenish items like bandages that may be running low.



• Switch your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Although initially more expensive, CFLs save you money in the long run because they use 75% less electricity and can last up to 10 times longer.

In your car

• Do not remove your car safety kit! Keep it in your car for the whole year. You never know when you might need that flashlight or those jumper cables.



• Change your wiper blades. They should be replaced every six months.



• A change of season equals a change of oil. This will help to ensure your car operates at peak efficiency.



• Your car's belts and hoses have dealt with extreme cold, snow, salt and sand in the last few months. Get them checked to make sure everything is connected properly and running smoothly.



• If you change your tires seasonally, you'll want to soon consider putting your summer tires on. A good rule of thumb is to put your summer tires on when the temperature is consistently above 7°C.
  
  Did you know some insurers offer a discount to policyholders who change their tires seasonally?



• If you don't change your tires seasonally, check your tire pressure and treads. If your tire pressure is off you'll notice irregular and uneven wear on your treads, reduced vehicle handling or decreased gas mileage.