When we change our clocks…

• Daylight Saving Time begins for most of the United States at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March.
• Time reverts to standard time at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November. In the U.S., each time zone switches at a different time.

Twice a year, when Daylight Saving Time begins or ends, make it a habit to not only change your clocks, but do a few other semi-annual tasks that will improve safety in your home…

Do these things every 6 months when you reset your clocks:

• Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Replace any smoke alarms older than ten years. Replace any CO alarms older than five years.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit for your house (water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets).
  Once you’ve created your home disaster kit, use the semi-annual time change to check its contents (including testing/replacing flashlight batteries).
• A COLD winter is coming! Make a “winter car-emergency kit“now and put your vehicle! (Don’t know what to include? Do an Internet search for “car emergency kit” and you’ll find lots of ideas!)
  It’s a good idea to carry a car-emergency kit in your car year-round, but be sure to add cold-weather gear to your general car-emergency kit each fall. (Having a separate duffle/gear bag clearly marked “Cold Gear” specifically for your cold weather emergency gear makes it easy to add or take out of the car, seasonally.) Like a Boy Scout, “Be Prepared!”