Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10, springing us forward to 3 a.m. Moving clocks forward one-hour means it will stay lighter later in the coming months, with later sunsets. While you turn your clocks forward, take some time to check the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Smoke alarms play a crucial role in keeping you and your family safe by providing an early warning in case of fire. Follow these steps:
- Test each smoke alarm by pressing the test button.
- Replace the batteries in any smoke alarms that have dead batteries.
- Replace any smoke alarms that are over 10 years old.
Daylight saving time can also serve as a reminder to update or create your emergency supply kit. An emergency kit is essential for being prepared in case of natural disasters, power outages, or other emergencies. Your basic emergency kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
- Non-perishable food (three-day supply)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Filter mask or cotton t-shirt to filter air
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener
- Local maps
The first daylight saving time in the United States went into effect March 31, 1918, under the Standard Time Act. According to the Library of Congress, the law was intended to save on electricity as well as give Americans “an extra hour of sun to enjoy.”
However, the law was unpopular and repealed after seven months. It was brought back between 1942 and 1945 during World War II for energy-saving purposes.
Daylight saving time as it is known today was re-introduced in 1966 under the Uniform Time Act.