Time to Fall Back- Check those Smoke Alarms

This Sunday, remember to turn your clocks back one hour and get back that hour of sleep you lost in the spring!
The end of Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to make sure you’re prepared for emergencies.
Check the batteries in your smoke alarms, and make sure the alarms work by pushing the test button. It’s also a good time for check carbon monoxide detectors. You should replace the batteries in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year.
Make sure your emergency preparedness supplies are ready for the fall and winter. Your kit should include, at the minimum:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water (one gallon per person per day)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or crank radio
• Can opener
• First aid kit
• Copies of important documents
• Special items such as medications, diapers and infant formula

If you already have an emergency preparedness kit, check it for expired food items, and refresh staples such as water, food and batteries. If there have been changes in prescriptions or dietary needs, add new foods and medications as needed.
Update the emergency contact information in your family communications plan. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact that each person in the household can call if he/she becomes separated during a disaster situation.
Taking simple actions like these can help you be better prepared for emergencies. You can find more information on preparedness on redcross.org.