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Set Clocks Back & Boost Home Safety: 13 Quick Tips

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899

Tonight, as you prepare to set your clocks back and enjoy that precious extra hour of sleep, why not take a little time to refresh and secure your home for the season? Here’s a 13 quick tips of simple yet impactful tasks you can knock out before bed. In just an hour or two, you’ll feel great knowing your home is ready for whatever the colder months bring!

uSwap out Smoke & CO Detector Batteries – Start with fresh batteries to keep your detectors reliable when it matters most.

uLight the Way – While you’re on the ladder, change any burnt-out bulbs in your ceiling fixtures for optimal lighting.

uClean Your Detectors – Dust-free detectors are more effective. A quick wipe will do the trick!

uTest Your Detectors – After replacing batteries, test each detector to ensure it’s in perfect working order.

uUpgrade Older Detectors – If your detectors are over 10 years old (or 5 for some models), it’s time to replace them with new, high-functioning models.

uReplace Flashlight Batteries – Flashlights are invaluable in a power outage. Ensure they’re ready to go with fresh batteries.

uService Your Furnace – A well-maintained furnace heats more efficiently and keeps you cozy as temperatures drop.

uCheck Expired Canned Goods – Toss out anything past its “use by” date, and stock up to ensure a two-week supply.

uReplace Fridge Filters – If your fridge has a filtration system, this is a perfect reminder to swap those filters.

uSwitch Out Heating Filters – Fresh filters help your HVAC system run at peak performance, keeping you warm all season.

uClean the Fireplace – A clean, inspected fireplace is safer and more efficient. Get it ready for cozy winter nights.

uPrepare a Winter Emergency Kit – Stock your home and car with essentials like blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight.

uRestock Your Medicine Cabinet – Check supplies of cold and flu meds, fever reducers, and other winter health essentials.

As they say, “We cannot turn the clock back, but we can do our best today to make tomorrow a happier time.” Embrace the season of change with these simple steps to boost your home’s safety and comfort!

Dorie Dillard, your NW Austin real estate expert, bringing 32 years of experience to every season. Helping Austin buyers and sellers open new doors each Fall!

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I specialize in Listing and Selling homes in the NW Austin Area. I use my experience to guide clients through the process, whether selling or buying. It’s a beautiful thing when your career and a passion come together. I love what I do!

 

Show All Comments Sort:
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

What a fantastic list of practical tips to enhance home safety as we enter the colder months! Taking the time to address these tasks not only ensures peace of mind but also prepares your home for winter's challenges. Here in Big Bear Lake, where winter can be particularly intense, these reminders are invaluable for keeping our homes safe and cozy.

Nov 02, 2024 01:40 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you for stopping by Dennis Neal !

Nov 02, 2024 05:32 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Hi Dorie. Those great tips of yours work well here in Arizona EXCEPT we never have to change our clocks. We are the only full state that is on eternal daylight saving time (parts of Indiana as well).

Nov 02, 2024 01:41 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I like the morning lighter so am okay with it Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI . We don't get dark at 4 pm like some states and that would bother me!

Nov 02, 2024 05:33 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dorie I will enjoy the extra hour sleep, BUT I would rather they take away these CRAZY time changes.

Nov 02, 2024 02:44 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

It is crazy but have to admit I like it lighter in the morning for my early morning walks George Souto 

Nov 02, 2024 05:34 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

I will appreciate a later start, but in a few weeks, the dark at 4 PM is not very pleasant.

Nov 02, 2024 03:20 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

I would not like that Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 ..we don't get dark that early!

Nov 02, 2024 05:35 PM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Dorie Dillard Austin TX these are very valuable list of tips for boost home safety, and set clocks back.

Nov 02, 2024 03:43 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Thank you for stopping by John Pusa 

Nov 02, 2024 05:35 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Dorie- I'm so glad that most of our clocks reset automatically...not all but still a good thing.   It's good that you listed other items to check , such as our smoke detectors and other low maintenance items. 

Nov 02, 2024 06:38 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I almost 

Nov 02, 2024 08:44 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

All good advice Dorie Dillard Austin TX  well we changed the clocks tonight does one out of 13 count?:)Endre

Nov 02, 2024 10:47 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Dorie... I'm going to be calling one of my handymen to come and do all my filters and batteries... not yet physically in a position to climb up ladders, move fridges, etc.

Nov 03, 2024 04:49 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Dorie. No fireplace but making headway on all the others. Thanks for the tips. Enjoy your day.

Nov 03, 2024 04:53 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Dorie - with that "extra" hour today, the tips you suggest can be put to good use.  

Nov 03, 2024 05:30 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

These are all great tips for preparing for winter and boosting home safety.

Nov 03, 2024 06:06 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Dorie, I walk and talk to my neighbors yesterday and gave out 9 volt batteries to them and even to older ladies that lost their husbands I change their batteries for them.

 

Nov 03, 2024 07:12 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is excellent advice to share. Dolores changed all of our clocks. I need to change the filter for our ice maker.

Nov 03, 2024 08:35 AM