Change the Clock and Other Things to Do for Daylight Saving Time
Besides moving the clock ahead an hour for the start of Daylight Savings Time early Sunday morning, there are other things one can do to mark the occasion.
The clocks jump ahead an hour Sunday at 2 a.m. and stay that way until November 5. Will that ever be a permanent change?
There is no legislation pending in New Hampshire that would make any changes.
A bill in the previous session by Republican New Hampshire state Rep. Josh Yokela from Fremont would have designated March as Sleep Awareness Month and required the governor to call a hearing on switching to permanent Daylight Savings Time. It did not get a vote.
Maine already has a law in place that would keep the state on Daylight Savings Time if Congress allows it.
Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has reintroduced his Sunshine Protection Act again that would make Daylight Savings Time permanent. It was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
“We’re one of the few countries on Earth that continues to do this ritual of springing forward and falling back and changing our clock twice a year," Rubio said in a statement. “That makes no sense. It’s time to end it. I think we should pick one and stick with it."
Smoke Detectors and Battery Check
No matter one's opinion on Daylight Savings Time, the clock change presents an opportunity to check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
East Kingston Fire Chief Ed Warren has these suggestions from the National Fire Protection Association:
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month, pressing the test button to ensure the alarm functions properly.
- Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
- Alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. When you change your clocks, also replace regular batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Smoke alarms have a shelf life of 10 years. Be sure to replace them after 10 years of use.
- CO alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Smoke alarms should be installed in each room of the house. CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each bedroom or sleeping area, on every story of the home, and in other locations required by standards, codes, or laws.
- Make sure alarms interconnect so that when one alarm sounds, they all do.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests checking your vehicle's VIN number on their website for recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com
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