Perhaps the most important devices in your home, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be checked and tested regularly to ensure their quality. It's recommended that you test them at least once a month and change the batteries every year. It's also a good idea to come up with a plan for how you and your family will exit your home in the event of a fire and choose a designated spot to meet. Learn more about carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and how to create a safety plan in the event of a fire at: Time to Turn Your Clocks Ahead, Test Your Smoke Alarms (redcross.org).

Is the soup you made a few weeks ago still sitting in its container? Are there leftover pieces of lasagna that have yet to be eaten? Dare we say, is there a slice of pie from the holidays still staring at you? If so, it's time to clear those out! While winter can turn our fridge into a stockpile of our favorite comfort and seasonal foods, removing and tossing items that are past their expiration date, showing signs of spoilage, or don't pass a simple "sniff test," can help prevent you and your family from becoming sick with foodborne illnesses. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! It's also important to give the inside of your fridge, including the shelves, trays, and areas where raw meats and poultry are stored, a good wipe down with soap and warm water.

If it's been a while since the filters in your home were replaced or your air ducts and vents were cleaned, it's a good idea to add that to your spring-cleaning to-do list! This is especially important for people with asthma, COPD, or other breathing issues and those who suffer from spring and summertime allergies. Cleaning your vents now can also ensure you keep fresh air circulating through your home if wildfire season affects our community's air quality this summer.

Medicine cabinets might not always be top of mind when it comes to cleaning, but it's important to dispose of outdated or unused medication, especially prescriptions, to help prevent accidental ingestion in children or potential misuse among adults. Talk to your pharmacist or utilize a drug take-back program to keep your medicine cabinet organized and free from medicine you no longer need. This is one great way to keep your family and loved ones safe! Learn more at: Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines | FDA.