Spring Forward, Stay Safe at Home

Daylight saving time is a great reminder to take care of a couple of easy but important home safety tasks and this year, instead of just swapping out batteries, let's make it count for the long haul.

First, consider replacing your smoke detector with a combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with a sealed ten-year battery. No more twice-a-year battery changes and no more middle-of-the-night chirping!

Second, pick up a fire extinguisher and keep it accessible near the kitchen. Both items together can be found for under $50.

In California, code requires a smoke detector in the main living area of each story and in every bedroom, plus one carbon monoxide alarm per story. This is also required when selling or leasing a home, so it is a smart investment no matter what.