Set Your Clock Back and Three Other Things to Check This Weekend

Saturday Night is the night we all turn our clocks back one hour. It also begins the time of year where it gets dark ridiculously early. At some point before the days start getting longer it'll be dark out before most of us head home from work.

There's three other things the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests we do this weekend:

• Make sure our smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work. We've heard the check our batteries in smoke detectors advice for years. It's good. You should do the same for carbon monoxide detectors. If either device is near the manufacturers replacement date, do it.

• Check your emergency kit. Do you have a grab and go bag in case you need to evacuate your home? Do you have enough essentials to survive a tornado or other major weather event? This is the time to ensure you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food, water and medications to last your family at least 72 hours, along with a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

• Confirm your insurance coverage is up to date, and your home inventory list is accurate.  Talk with your insurance agent and make sure you have the right coverage and that it's active. Make sure you have written and visual documentation of all major household items and valuables. Don't forget those stored in garages, attics or basements. It's also helpful to have a file with these items serial numbers and receipts.

Doesn't sound like a lot of fun does it? No. But doing these things may save your life or make dealing with a disaster that much easier. For information and tips visit ready.gov. And enjoy that extra hour of sleep this Sunday morning!