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Daylight Saving: It’s Finally Time to Spring Forward

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Daylight savings time starts on March 8, this year. While this is a great time to relax and enjoy your extra hour of sunlight, it is also a particularly good time to go through your safety list and make sure everything is in order. Catching these items now can help you save a lot of time and money.

While inspecting your home, be sure to include these safety related items on your list:

• Smoke detector batteries

• Carbon monoxide detector batteries

• Light bulbs

• Fire extinguishers

• Security alarm backup battery

• Heating system filters

• Flashlight batteries

• TV remote batteries

• Refrigerator filter (water/Ice maker)

• Dryer duct (not just the lint trap)

• First aid kit

• Emergency numbers and evacuation information

• Tire pressure

We all take safety for granted, and if all goes as planned we will never need to follow an evacuation order or rely on a working smoke detector. However, hoping emergencies don’t happen is not the best plan.

Although the expression “hope for the best but expect the worse” is cliche, it definitely contains some truth. As daylight saving time draws near it is better to hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

• Start your planning by making sure your safety equipment is in good working order, as this is your (the tenant) responsibility. If a smoke detector isn’t working, even after a new battery is installed, call the property management company or the homeowner. They are required to provide the safety equipment, but it is your responsibility to keep it working.

• While you are changing the batteries consider replacing old light bulbs as well. Poor lighting in an emergency situation can make a bad situation worse.

• Inspect your fire extinguisher. Start by checking the location of your extinguisher. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), your fire extinguisher should be stored near an escape route away from any stoves or heating appliances. Also, consider checking the pressure in your fire extinguisher at least once a month to ensure it will work properly when needed. If you do not currently own a fire extinguisher, now would be a great time to purchase one for your home or property.

• Don’t forget flashlight batteries! How often have you picked up that flashlight just to find it doesn’t work? Go ahead and replace those batteries before you need them. Same thing with your radio or tv remote. Although these may not necessarily seem like emergency items, you may need them to stay current during an emergency situation.

• Now is also a good time to replace filters associated with your heating system and water-maker, as well as checking you dryer vent line. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent creating a fire hazard. Prevent a home fire by making sure your dryer ducts are clear.

• Make sure you have a first aid kit and that all components are up to date. If you used any of the items, make sure the contents have been resupplied. You want the items available when they are needed. Update you emergency contact numbers and evacuation information at this time too. Chances are that if you are evacuating you will be doing so in your vehicle. Check that the tire pressure is in accordance to manufacturer recommendations for not only your safety but also to help with your gas milage.

• Update you emergency contact numbers and evacuation information as well. You never know when you will need this information; make sure it is up to date.

• Consider checking the tires on your vehicle. Some emergencies may require you to evacuate. If you must leave your home, the tires on your vehicle will need to be in good condition in order to get you to your next destination. Check to make sure the tire pressure is in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. This preventative action not only helps during an emergency, but it can also increase your fuel efficiency as well.

Make the most out of your extra hours of sunlight by going through your safety list to make sure everything is in order. This year save more than just your day, save money too by taking these preventative actions to protect your investment or home.

Want more ways to save during the daylight savings months? Check out our resident and property owner discounts. Visit us online attidewater.realpropertymgt.com for more information.

#DaylightSavingsTime #DST2015 #SafetyChecklist #RealPropertyManagementTidewater

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