Use Daylight Saving Time to not only change your clocks, but to update your emergency supply kit. Is it missing any items? Is anything out-of-date, leaking, or damaged?

Don’t have an emergency supply kit yet? Now is the time to put one together! Have a several-day supply of food and water stored in your home, with at least one gallon of water per person per day. Choose foods that are ready to eat, such as peanut butter and canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Remember your pets too! They need their own food and water. Your emergency supply kit should also contain flashlights, a hand-operated can opener, a radio, batteries, and copies of important documents. Depending on your family’s needs, you may also need other supplies.

“Make sure your supplies are relatively up to date, check for expiration dates on your batteries and food, and make sure you keep your supplies in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight,” said Eric Medina, Director of Emergency Preparedness/Public Health.

Daylight Saving Time is also a great time to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and change replaceable batteries, if needed. Following is information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

The Rockland County Department of Health’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program can assist low to moderate-income residents and seniors, at no charge, with battery changes and alarm replacements as supplies last. For more information, call (845) 364-3290.

For more information about being prepared for emergencies, visit the Rockland County Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness web page.