Daylight Saving Time officially ends this weekend on Sunday, November 6 at 2 a.m. Clocks will fall back, giving everyone an extra hour in their day.
While your cell phone and computers will automatically adjust to Daylight Saving Time ending, you might need to change your wrist/smartwatch, car clock and clocks around your home. Now is also the perfect time to remember to:
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Test them to see if they are working by pushing the test button. Gently vacuum your alarms to remove dust particles. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms can lose their efficacy over time, and expire after 10 years. If either alarm is expired, replace it by purchasing a new one at your local home and building store. They can be upgraded to newer models with longer battery life, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries for a few years.
Put on your winter tires: With the temperatures dropping, the best time to put on winter tires is when it starts to dip below 7 degrees Celsius. All-season tires can become stiff, which means longer braking distances. In comparison, winter tires are designed for cold climates. They also offer enhanced traction, giving a better grip on roads and reducing braking distances.
Be alert on the roads: Morning and evening commutes are about to get darker. When visibility is reduced, other road users can be harder to see. Drivers should slow down, obey speed limits and approach all crosswalks, intersections and transit stops with extra caution. Always stay alert. Whether you’re walking, cycling or driving, always be aware of your surroundings to prevent collisions.
Drain water from outdoor pipes: Don’t forget to drain your outdoor pipes to prevent them from freezing once the temperature falls below zero. If water is not drained from your pipes during the winter, it could freeze and cause your pipes to burst. Remember to keep the heat in your home on to help pipes stay warm.
Clean your dryer hose: Cleaning your lint filter, emptying or replacing your dryer hose, and regularly checking the vent and exhaust can help prevent fires. Now is a good time to look at your dryer hose to ensure no lint buildup.
Inspect your fireplace and chimney: Clogged chimneys can cause house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Have both your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected. Also, check to see that your chimney flue works so you don’t experience drafts. Don’t forget to ensure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm.
Protect your home from potential leaks and water damage: Ensure that eaves troughs, downspouts and basement window wells on your home are clear of leaves, debris, and any blockages, and that downspout extensions direct water at least 2 metres or 6 feet away from any building foundations. Window wells can be covered with clear plastic covers to keep debris out. When it rains, check around your home to confirm that there are no obstructions to the flow of water away from your foundation. Fix the grading if needed.
Remove debris from catchbasins: Clear debris from catchbasins to ensure that stormwater can flow freely. Residents can also report any build-up of natural debris, such as leaves, tree limbs or sediment, by calling 311.
Get your car winter-ready: Before the snow and icy weather start, make sure your car is ready for winter. In addition to getting your winter tires put on, test your car battery, check your coolant, top up your fluids (e.g. oil, windshield washer and brake fluid), test out your wipers blades and clean your headlights. Finally, make sure you have an emergency preparedness kit. Add items like a flashlight, phone charger, air compressor, jumper cables, a small shovel, tow rope, first aid kit and winter accessories – gloves, hat, mitts, LED flares, multi-tool, snacks, water, ice scraper and snow brush.
As the days get shorter and darker, take extra precautions, be safe and enjoy the extra hour!
SOURCE City of Mississauga
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