Five things to do when Daylight Saving Time ends

This weekend, most of us will savor an extra hour of sleep as we turn back our clocks with the end of Daylight Saving Time. It's also a good time to do a few seasonal safety tasks throughout your home.

1. Change the batteries in your smoke detectors

It's not the first time you've heard this advice, but it's important you make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and have fresh batteries. Even the smallest flame can quickly grow and consume a home in less than five minutes. It's not worth the risk having faulty or non-functioning smoke alarms.

2. Throw away expired medications

It's important you declutter your stash of unused or expired medical supplies and medications. Safely get rid of any medications that have expired. Serious problems can be caused from taking common, expired over-the-counter medication. To learn about safe disposal of unused or expired medicine, visit allinahealth.org/pharmacy.

3. Prepare a winter emergency kit for your home

This is a great time to create or restock your home winter preparedness kit. It should include flashlights, batteries, matches, a manual can opener, first-aid kit, unexpired medications, battery-powered radio, extra pillows and blankets.

4. Prepare a winter emergency kit for your car

Your home isn't the only thing that needs to be prepared for an emergency. Make sure you replenish your car safety kit with winter items like blankets and heat packets. If you don't have one already, you can buy or make your own car kit.

5. Review your family safety plan

If an emergency strikes, will your family know what to do? It's one of the most important things you can do for your family. Hold a family meeting to explain what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. You should also update phone numbers, addresses and contact information, and post an emergency information page on your refrigerator or other family gathering spot.

In addition to these seasonal safety tips, lessen the burden of sleep deprivation on your child and yourself with the healthy sleep tips found in A parent's guide to daylight saving time.