This Sunday, November 4, is the end of Daylight Saving Time. As you turn back the clocks, take a moment to refresh yourself on important home fire safety tips for the winter months:

• Test your smoke alarms once a month.
• Check that you have smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Be sure to have alarms close to and inside where people are sleeping, especially if you are hosting guests for the upcoming holidays.
• Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home in the winter.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Get more fire safety tips and resources by visiting https://www.ready.gov/home-fires .

Some parts of the U.S. have already seen the first signs of winter weather. Are you ready for the coming season? The best time to prepare for winter weather is before it arrives.

• Know if your area is at risk for winter storms. Follow the National Weather Service for weather forecasts. Your area may also have local weather alert systems.
• Start an emergency kit for your car. Include jumper cables, warm clothes, bottled water and snacks, a spare cell phone charger, and an ice scraper.
• Have supplies ready at home in case you ever lose power. Keep in mind your family's needs such as medication. Don't forget about food and supplies for pets.
• Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.

For more winter weather tips, visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather .

November is Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month!

There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors that are important for the safety and security of the United States. These sectors include the power we use at home, the farms that grow our food, the stores we shop in, and the hospitals in our communities.

We all play a part to keep these sectors safe in our communities. This November, get involved by joining the Department of Homeland Securty's (DHS) Hometown Security initiative. Learn more at https://www.dhs.gov/hometown-security .