Kanetix Forum

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST AT 2 A.M.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour!

The weekend most Canadians fall back one hour is also the ideal time to tackle seasonal safety projects we often put off. A lot of the routine maintenance on your home 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 detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and test to make sure they are in working order.

(Even if the batteries are not dead, changing them will ensure they work when you need them most.)

* Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important now that the leaves are falling to prevent damage to your home.

* Now that you've turned on the furnace, make sure it's working properly and efficiently. Make an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician.

* Have your chimney cleaned so your fireplace will be ready for use.

* Bring out of hiding, all the winter gear you'll need to clear your walk, like shovels, sand and salt.

* 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. In fact, many provinces or regions have programs to assist in the proper disposal of medication.

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

This is the time of year I also switch over my summer clothing to my winter. I put all my off-season clothing away so that all my winter clothing is handy (you never know when you'll wake up to a snowy morning!)

I also pull out all my winter boots and put away the sandals.