Daylight saving time returns this weekend, and fire officials are reminding residents to use the time change as an opportunity to check important safety devices in their homes.
Clocks will move forward one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, shifting more daylight into the evening hours. At that time, clocks will jump from 1:59 a.m. to 3 a.m.
The change means most Americans will lose an hour of sleep as the country transitions from standard time to daylight saving time. Hawaii, most of Arizona and several U.S. territories do not observe the time change.
Fire safety officials say the time change is also a good reminder to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends several safety steps:
Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
Replace batteries at least once a year if the alarm uses removable batteries.
Consider upgrading to long-life sealed battery alarms.
Check the manufacturing date and replace smoke alarms older than 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors older than five to seven years.
Make sure alarms are installed inside and outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
Officials also remind residents never to ignore a sounding alarm. If an alarm goes off, leave the home immediately and call 911.
Daylight saving time will continue through the summer before ending on Sunday, Nov. 1, when clocks will move back one hour at 2 a.m. and the country returns to standard time.
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