If you’re tired of waking up every morning in utter darkness, don’t worry, relief is near.

Sunday, October 31 at 2 a.m., marks the end of daylight saving time (DST), where we as a nation—minus Arizona and Hawaii—ceremoniously set back the time an hour on our clocks.

The point is often lost on many of us, but traditionally daylight saving time is supposed to save energy and enable us to take advantage of the daylight hours.

A more practical reason to acknowledge daylight saving time is it also provides the perfect opportunity for recurring safety checks.

Let us share with you our 6 Daylight Saving Safety Tips.

Safety Tip #1 – Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There are increased carbon monoxide poisoning risks with the use of fireplaces, gas-fired furnaces, and space heaters. You should replace the batteries in all of your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace any smoke detector that is older than 10 years; and carbon monoxide detectors that are older than 5. (Bonus Tip: Be sure to also check and recharge your fire extinguishers!)

Bonus Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Your home should have smoke alarms on every level, outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.
• For the best protection, interconnect the alarms, so when one sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• In the event of a fire, a working smoke alarm and a well-practiced fire escape plan can mean the difference between life and death.

Safety Tip #2 – Change All Batteries in Your Home

We recommend that you also take this time to change ALL of the batteries in your home. Some of these items will include thermostats, outdoor lighting, clocks, phone accessories, flashlights, and portable electronics. 

Check out these tips from Duracell on the proper way to discard used batteries!

Safety Tip #3 – Throw Away Expired Medications

Expiration dates DO matter when it comes to medications, prescribed and over-the-counter. Serious problems can be caused by taking very common expired over-the-counter medication.

Check out what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends discarding unused medications. 

Safety Tip #4 – Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Home

This is a great time to create or restock your home winter preparedness kit. It should include flashlights, batteries, matches, a manual can opener, first-aid kit, unexpired medications, battery-powered radio, extra pillows and blankets, and a list of emergency contact numbers. Click here for more of Woodard’s Winter Weather Preparation Tips!

Safety Tip #5 – Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit for Your Car

You not only want to prepare for an emergency in your home, but you also want to be sure that you are prepared in the case of an emergency while in your car. For a proper car winter preparedness kit, we recommend it include: flares, flashlight, batteries, warm clothes, blanket, water, non-perishable snacks, shovel, reflective hazard triangle, jumper cables, sand for traction, winter hat and gloves.

Safety Tip #6 – Check Outside for Hazardous Material

One possible overlooked safety check is the outside of your home and storage areas. These should be checked for hazardous materials. Materials that are outdated, unused or in poor condition should be properly discarded. Any others should be moved out of the reach of children and pets.

Tips for household hazardous waste disposal from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

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Updated 10/27/2020