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Autumn's here and it's time to Fall Back: Time Change Sunday is on the way!

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Daylight Saving Time will come to an end here this year Sunday, Nov. 4, at 2 a.m.. With an extra hour in the day, and winter just around the corner, it may be a good idea to take a look around the home and make sure things are in order.

As you go through the house resetting clocks to Eastern Standard Time, take a moment to review this short safety checklist. It will get you moving toward winter and help make for a safe and organized home.

Change batteries in smoke detectors: Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives ... if they're powered on by a fresh battery. Safety experts recommend replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year--so celebrate Time Change Sunday with fresh batteries all around.

Replace light bulbs. Long dark winter evenings call for a little illumination. Since you'll have a stepladder out to reach smoke detectors and clocks on Time Change Sunday, double up on safety and energy savings by checking light bulbs and fixtures. Consider replacing conventional bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

Be prepared for cold and flu season. Cold weather is on the way and so are colds and the flu. Check the medicine cabinet, and assess stocks of over-the-counter medications you may need this winter at the first sign of illness. Get flu shots for yourself and your family.

Make or review your family emergency plan. If an emergency strikes, will your family know what to do? Review your family's emergency plan, or create one for the first time if you don't have one. Update phone numbers, addresses and contact information; ensure all updated information is accessible to all family members. Be prepared!