The clocks-change kit check
Published
When the clocks change, spend a few minutes on your kit. Here’s the list.
The next change is on Sunday 25 October 2026, when the clocks go back. Lots of people already test their smoke alarms then. We add the box.
The list
- Press the test button on your smoke alarms. The government’s Fire Kills campaign says to test them at least once a month, and the clocks are a good reminder.
- Test your carbon monoxide alarm, if you have one.
- Switch on the torch and the radio. Swap any flat batteries. If you need some, our pick is a big pack of AA batteries (Ad).
- Charge the power bank.
- Check the best-before dates on the water and the food. Eat anything close to its date, and buy a fresh one on your next shop.
- Check the cash is still there, and hasn’t been borrowed for the window cleaner.
- Read through the paper list of numbers and medicines. Update anything that’s changed.
- Check the dates in the first aid kit.
Then
Print a fresh copy of the checklist and put it in the box. If anything’s missing, the calculator tells you how much your household needs. There’s more on looking after batteries and power banks.