What...When...

Fall is here! Each time October hits I know it's time to go over my "Every 6 Months Checklist." Here are some things I do for my family every 6 months:

1. Change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
2. Have my family practice our basic drills--What do we do if there's a fire? Who do you call in an emergency? Do we answer the door or ever tell people that parents aren't home? etc
3. Update our 72 hour kits with fresh food and water, bigger diapers (for growing baby!), and bigger changes of clothes for my kids.
4. Replace used items in our first aid kit and check medicine expiration dates.
5. Check and re-stock our emergency car kits.
6. Double check my food storage inventory to make sure it's updated and on track.
7. Flip evaporated milk cans, check expiration dates on food storage items, organize as needed.

At the same time, I usually do a really thorough fall cleaning of my house and shed (I have a whole cleaning checklist...I'm a little insane, but it works for me!) and take unnecessary clutter to the dump or donation center. It always seems like a lot of work, but the house feels so complete when I'm done. Everything is clean, organized, and orderly. The sense of accomplishment is worth all the work!