Daylight Saving Time, which begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 11, is the perfect opportunity to begin checking off all of those items on your springtime “to-do list.”
TEST YOUR ALARMS
First and foremost, check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and vacuum the interior to remove any dust or cobwebs. Test the detectors once a month to ensure they are working properly. Most smoke alarms have a test button. If it doesn’t sound, replace the batteries.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke detectors. Dead batteries accounted for one quarter of smoke alarm failures.
This is also a good time to revisit your family’s emergency evacuation plan. Working smoke detectors and an escape plan are essential to your family’s safety.
SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE
While you have the ladder out, you may as well clean your windows. This isn’t a job anyone likes, but you only have to do it once or twice a year. Now that you have an extra hour of daylight, let the sun shine in through pristine windows.
Get ready for barbeque season! Clean your grill so it’s ready for those hotdogs and burgers and make sure all gas ports are unclogged. (These ports make a nice winter home for insects.)
Deep clean your dryer vent to prevent lint buildup that can cause a fire. Consider hiring a professional if this chore is difficult for you. And remember to clean the lint trap after each use.
Schedule a heating and cooling system checkup to keep your systems working a peak performance. Also, change the filters on your heater, air-conditioner and humidifier. Inspect the outside air-conditioning unit and clean out any leaves or debris.
Check the exterior of your chimney for damage that may have occurred over the winter. Have your fireplace flue inspected and cleaned by a professional if that was not done in the fall.
INSPECT YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM
If you have a camera system, check to ensure all cameras are working properly and are recording. Also check your security system, test the sensors to make sure all devices are working properly and that signals are being received by the central station.
One more thing…flip or rotate your mattress. You’ll definitely sleep better knowing your security and life safety devices are functioning.
If you need assistance with your security or alarm system, don’t hesitate to contact Delco Alarm Systems. Our professionals will be happy to answer your questions.