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

Do you remember when you last checked your furnace filter, your smoke detectors, or the windshield wipers on your car?

There are lots of times in our busy lives that we tend to neglect these small things. A lot of the routine maintenance on your home and car should be done twice a year, so when you change your clocks, use it as a reminder to tackle those other seasonal safety projects.

Around the house

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Even if the batteries are not completely dead, changing them will always ensure they are working when you need them.
  
  Tip: Don't toss the batteries out; there may still be juice in them. The batteries can be used in children's toys, media players or electronic devices. Squeeze every drop of power out of them, then recycle them.



• Have your fire extinguishers properly maintained to ensure they will work when needed, and that they are safe to use.



• 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.



• Your furnace should have an annual check-up before you turn it on for the winter season. Call to book an appointment with your heating contractor.



• Trip your fuse breakers to ensure that they are not stuck in the open position. Homeowners should always be aware of the location of the circuit panel and the main service disconnect in case of emergencies.



• 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

• Inspect your windshield wiper blades. Replace your wiper blades if they're missing sections of your windshield as they pass over it, lift off the windshield when driving at high speeds, show obvious signs of wear, if the arms are bent or rusted, or they spread an oily-like film across your windshield.



• If you change your tires seasonally, ask yourself if it's time. When should you switch? A good rule of thumb is to put your summer tires on when the temperature is consistently above 7°C, or if switching to your winter tires, cooler than 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.



• Update your car safety kit with items appropriate to the season. See Kanetix's Car safety kit checklist for a list of things you should include in your kit.



• A change of season equals a change of oil. This will help to ensure your car operates at peak efficiency. Don't forget about the other fluids too, like the transmission fluid and anti-freeze/coolant. Check your owner's manual for directions.