Daylight saving time began at 2 am Sunday. The trade off for losing an hour of sleep is an extra hour of daylight at the end of the day.
According to the American Red Cross, there’s more. “When you turn your clocks ahead this weekend, it’s a great time to also test your smoke alarms,” said Leslie Schaffer, regional executive for the Iowa region of the Red Cross. “Take a few minutes to replace your smoke alarm batteries and push the test button to make sure the alarms are working.”
It’s also a good time for everyone to take these steps to make sure their household is prepared for emergencies.
- Install smoke alarms. If someone doesn’t have smoke alarms, they should install them. At a minimum, put one on every level of the home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Check local building codes for additional requirements.
- Practice an escape plan. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to get out of every room and how to get out of the home in less than two minutes.
- Get a kit. Keep disaster supplies in an easy-to-carry bag to use at home or carry in case ordered to evacuate.
- Make a plan. Have all household members plan what steps they should take if an emergency occurs.
- Be informed. Learn what emergencies can occur in the area and how officials notify residents should a disaster occur.
