Fall Back and Think Safety

Chicago once sang, “Does anybody really know what time it is?” The question today is, “Do you really know what time it is?”

If you set all your clocks and watch back one hour before going to bed last night, then the time you see should be the correct time; if not, now it’s the time to “fall back,” because Saturday was the last day this year of daylight saving time.

A lot of your devices—such as cell phones, computers, DVRs and more—might have already done the job for you, but other devices, such as microwaves, ovens, and even older computers might need your help—don’t assume they automatically reset themselves.

We won’t bore you with the history of daylight saving time, but if you’d like to know more, you can head here.

The end of daylight saving time may be the best time to think safety. Officials at the nearby homeowners should use this time of the year to change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

You may also want to remember these related and simple safety tips for your home:

• Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound.
• Use both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms, also known as dual sensor alarms. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires.
• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by using the test button.