Get Ready for Spring!

Spring is just around the corner. Although snowflakes are still falling, it’s time to get ready for the sunny, warmer days ahead. Underneath all that snow there is grass trying to grow!

For homeowners and auto owners, here are a few tips to get ready for spring.

For your home:

1. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. Before recycling the batteries, make sure they’re completely drained by using them to their fullest in children’s toys, remote controls etc. Then be sure to recycle! Most library branches in Ottawa have recycling bins for batteries.

2. Check the filter on your furnace and replace it, as your furnace works harder during the winter months the filter might not be in great shape. Filters should normally be replaced every two months.

3. Clean gutters and downspouts, spring is the perfect time to replace broken gutters and missing roof tiles.

4. If you have a barbecue grill, check the tank and hose for leaks. Be sure you have enough gas in the tank to power up your grill and before turning on the grill make sure there are no birds or other small animals burrowed in it!

5. Make sure your outside faucets are operable and your water hose has no holes in it.

6. Check your medicine cabinet and remove expired medications. Either take the expired items to your pharmacy for disposal or look for community drug take-back programs in your area.

7. Update and refresh your first aid kit, both in your home and in your car.

8. If you are using regular light bulbs (incandescent), switch to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL). CFLs use 75% less power and will last much longer than incandescent bulbs.

For your car:

1. Be sure you have a safety kit fully replenished that includes jumper cables, flashlight, water, blankets and non-perishable food.

2. Replace your wiper blades, they should be changed every 6 months, but especially so after the winter months

3. If you were using winter tires, change them to your regular tires after the temperature has remained consistently above 7° C.

4. If you use all-season tires and won’t be replacing them after winter, be sure to check the air pressure and treads.

5. Get a check up for your car. Your car just went through a rough Canadian winter! Make sure the belts, hoses, brake pads and fluids are in tip top shape.

With these tips you’ll head into the warm season with confidence.

– ONA Team