In Edina the daylight hours are starting to dwindle and this Sunday is Daylight Savings. At A.T.C. Agency we would like to remind you of a couple housekeeping items that we like to routinely do in our household when it is time to fall back an hour.

Time Changes Mean Battery Changes

It is a good habit to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every fall and spring when you change the clocks for Daylight Savings Time. It is also a prudent to verify that all fire extinguishers are fully charged and in working order when you adjust the clocks each season.

Home Heating Tips

An important fall fire safety tip is to make sure your heating devices and/ or systems are in good working order. Many things can go wrong with heating equipment during the spring and summer months. Verify that everything you need to keep your home warm throughout fall and winter is in good working order before you experience the first cold snap of the season.

It is a good idea to get your central heating system cleaned, inspected and serviced by a certified HVAC (heating, venting and air conditioning) contractor every year before using it.

If you have a gas heater, make sure that you have a sufficient quantity of fully functioning carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

Space Heater Safety Tips

Make sure that any space heaters are surrounded by at least three feet of empty space.

Never place clothing or any other objects on a space heater to dry.

Do not place space heaters near furniture or drapery.

Turn space heaters off when you leave the house or go to bed.