This year we’ll be “falling back” one hour on November 1 as we transition away from Daylight Savings Time. The change in clocks is also a great time to take care of some other chores that occur every six months or so. They can help you and your family stay safe in your home.

• Check smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alarm batteries

It’s so important that these are working! If it’s been a while, go ahead and replace the batteries. Detectors like this are not a great place to economize by trying to drain the batteries before replacing.

• Flip your mattress and wash your pillows

You can extend the lifespan of your mattress (thereby saving some $$!) by flipping it when you change your clocks. If you have a pillowtop type, just rotate it so it can wear more evenly.

Similarly, toss your pillows in the washing machine. Oils, mites and dead skin tend to accumulate over time so give them a good wash whenever it’s time to fall back.

• Check filters

You’ve probably got more filters in your home than you think, and this is a great opportunity to check them all. Look at your heating/air conditioning units, the water filter in your refrigerator, and the HEPA filter in your vacuum and/or air cleaner.

• In the laundry room, vacuum vents and ducts on your dryer

Using the crevice attachment, vacuum out your vent pipes, the outside ducts and the space behind your dryer as well. If you let the lint and dust build up behind your dryer, it’s easy for a fire to start. 

• In the kitchen, clean your oven and refrigerator coils

Self-cleaning ovens for the win! Or scrub if you must, but either way your oven will be in good shape for the holiday season. 

You can save money by extending the life of your refrigerator, too. Vacuum out the coils to make sure it’s staying efficient.

• Toss expired medicine and food

You can declutter at the same time as you improve the safety in your kitchen and medicine cabinet. Make sure what remains is healthy and safe.

• Do an ergonomics assessment on your home office

We’ve got some tips for you if you’re not sure your desk set-up is protecting your health. Remember that you need to stand up and get moving periodically too if you’re normally sitting at your desk to keep your back and the rest of your body healthy.

• Check your kits

During the year, you may have found that you’ve depleted some of the items in your emergency or go kits. Make sure the flashlight batteries are still working (again, this is not the place to economize!) Also check your stash of bandages, water, and whatever else you keep in your kits so they’re ready to go if you need them.

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