Don't Forget: Daylight Saving Time Ends This Weekend

As if the  weren’t evidence enough, winter is on its way.

It’s time again to turn back the clocks. Daylight saving time ends this weekend at 2 a.m. Sunday.

On the plus side, we get an extra hour of sleep. On the downside, well, it’s cold and now it gets dark earlier.

State police also remind residents this is a great time to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

“Installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home is one of the most effective things you can do to keep your family safe,” said Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann said. “It’s a small investment of time and money that really does save lives.”

Working smoke alarms cut in half the risk of dying in a home fire, state police said. Worn or missing batteries are the most common reason that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors fail. Changing the batteries at least once a year is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent death and injuries, police said.

Manning said battery-powered and hardwired units should be replaced every eight to 10 years. He recommended writing the date of purchase inside the unit before installation.

He also urged residents to use that “extra” hour they gain from the time change to test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, plan two ways to escape from each room and practice escape routes with the entire family. 

Residents also should check to make sure their flashlights are working and have fresh batteries, he said.

How will you spend the extra hour we gain? Tell us in the comments.

This article first appeared on Cranberry Patch.