Fall Back Into Winter

(Image courtesy of bigpresh)

It’s official- fall is finally here. The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper and now that Halloween is over, it won’t be long until we start hearing Christmas carols wafting through the air. This weekend, we take another step down the road toward winter with Daylight Savings Time. Along with setting our clocks back an hour, there are a few important winter preparation tasks we need to remember before it gets to be too late.

This article from apartmentguide.com walks us through some seasonal prepration items we don’t want to forget as we settle into fall. Keep reading for a quick refresher on how to prepare for winter.

1. Set the clocks back an hour.

Obviously, this is the most important thing you have to do, or else you’ll be an hour early for everything. However, you don’t have to worry about it if you live in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, or most of Arizona – these places don’t observe Daylight Saving Time.

Fun fact: Indiana used to be divided on the DST issue – half the state would observe it, the other half would not. But since 2006, the entire state has changed the clocks twice a year, just like most of the country.

2. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.

When you change the clocks, the National Fire Protection Association recommends you also take precautions to guard your safety in case of a fire or carbon monoxide leak. These devices can save your life, so you want to make sure your batteries are functioning properly.

3. Make a few energy-efficiency improvements.

The end of Daylight Saving Time means winter isn’t far away, so take on a few DIY projects to keep your apartment cozy during the cold months without running up your energy bills. After all, Daylight Saving Time was invented to save energy!

• Cover your windows with insulating curtains that keep cold drafts out.
• Wrap your water heater in an insulated jacket so water stays warmer with less energy.
• Replace the weather stripping under your exterior doors and windows.

4. Make an emergency kit for your apartment.

Snowstorms and other inclement weather in the wintertime can lead to power outages, and sometimes they last a while. Make sure you have everything you’ll need if you’re stuck inside with no power: Blankets, bottled water, flashlights, extra batteries, candles, and a good book.

5. Take care of yourself!

Even though it’s just one hour, a time shift can confuse your body. Those who are susceptible to erratic sleep patterns should be extra careful to give themselves enough time to rest.