Daylight Saving Time Safety Tips Turn back your clocks one hour Sunday, November 7th The days before and after daylight-saving time can often see an increase in accidents at home and on the road. Here are a few tips for staying safe during this time:
HOME Check and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also recommends that you check the age of your detectors and that you replace smoke detectors older than 10 years and CO detectors older than five years. Check the small gauge on all fire extinguishers to ensure the needle is still in the green. Inclement weather can lead to power outages and, in some areas, flooding. Prepare a safety kit for your home that includes water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets and first aid supplies. Winterize outdoor water spigots to avoid freezing pipes.
PERSONAL There are reports every year of an increase in car and home accidents around the daylight-saving time clock changes (in both fall and spring). Leading up to turning the clocks back, gradually adjust your sleep schedule to the new time. Try to avoid building up a sleep deficit before the time change. Stick to a good morning and evening routine. Just being aware that you need to be more alert when the clocks change appears to increase your safety.
CAR Even if you have a roadside assistance contract, you should still prepare a safety kit for your car. This kit can include a first aid kit, water, nonperishable snacks, a warm blanket, a fire extinguisher, reflective triangle hazard signs, jumper cables and the ever -handy duct tape. Be sure your cellphone is fully charged before you get into the car and that you have an adequate amount of gas in your car in case you find yourself stuck in traffic. Find additional items to include by searching for “car safety kit” online.
Additional safety and preparedness tips can be found at redcross.org and emd.wa.gov/.