Make annual chores part of your 'fall back' plan

Here are some tips:

Make a habit of doing some annual chores on the day of the time change. Associate the time shift with certain chores, and you'll develop a routine.

Change the batteries in all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. You should do the same when clocks leap forward an hour in the spring. The batteries likely will have life left in them; use them in toys, media players and electronics.

Check lightbulbs and fixtures. Making sure stairways are well lit can reduce the risk of a fall. If you need to replace bulbs, consider energy-efficient options.

Get your home furnace and air conditioner serviced. That should be done every year.

Refresh and restock your emergency preparedness kit. Items close to their expiration dates should move into your daily food supply; replace those items with newer ones. If you can't find the expiration dates, rely on this rule-of-thumb from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: High-acid canned items such as tomatoes, grapefruit and pineapple can be stored 12 to 18 months. Foods with less acid, including canned meats and most vegetables, can last 2 to 5 years.

Replenish the water in your preparedness kit, too. Water should be switched out every six months; do it on the two time-change dates each year.

Be sure your kit includes cool weather clothing.

Test flashlights. Keep a stock of batteries on hand.

Review your emergency contact list and make changes as needed. Talk with your family about your emergency fire escape plan.