Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when clocks fall back an hour. Fire departments across the country use that weekend as a reminder to check smoke alarms, and it is a good time for a broader home check before the heater season starts in earnest.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Press the test button on every alarm. Replace batteries in older units, and replace any alarm that is more than ten years old (the date is printed on the back). You should have a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level, plus carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms if you have gas appliances or an attached garage.
Heater and kitchen safety
- Keep space heaters at least three feet from beds, curtains and furniture, and plug them straight into the wall, not an extension cord.
- Turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Hang a fire blanket near the stove where everyone can reach it. Holiday cooking is the busiest time of year for kitchen fires.
Locks and entry
Longer nights are a good reason to look at your front door. Check that deadbolts fully extend and that strike plates are screwed tight. If you are tired of hiding a spare key, a fingerprint smart lock lets family members in with a fingerprint or code, and you can share temporary codes with a dog walker or house sitter.
Bedrooms and comfort
Swap summer sheets for something warmer before the first cold snap, wash heavy blankets, and check that windows close and latch properly. A fresh set of microfiber sheets is an easy, inexpensive upgrade for guest rooms ahead of the holidays.
Bring this checklist to the Home & Furniture floor, or call our help desk at +1 405-582-0916 if you need help choosing.
