It is an excellent time to change the batteries in your smoke detector, CO (carbon monoxide) detector, LPG detector, etc. Be sure to have fresh 9-volt batteries on hand.
Also, check your flashlights and lanterns. Have a variety of batteries available: AAA, AA, C and D.
Check your auto and RV batteries. If they are closed cell batteries, examine the terminals to be sure the connections are secure and there is no corrosion. If they are open cell batteries, fill them with distilled water.
You should be checking your fire extinguisher(s) on a monthly basis. This is the day you take each one from its brackets, hold it horizontally with one hand on each end, and gently rock it back and forth to loosen the powder. If you don't do this periodically, the powder will settle to the bottom of the tank and the extinguisher may expel the propellant before the fire is out.
Most fire departments or fire extinguisher companies will show you how to use an extinguisher to put out a test fire. The time to learn how to use a fire extinguisher properly is before you have a fire.
