This coming weekend, residents should be aware that the onset of daylight saving time is at 2 a.m. on Sunday and will result in one less hour of sleep. As a result, people should plan accordingly and adjust their clocks forward by one hour to "spring forward." Fire officials have urged individuals to use this time change as a reminder to check smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary. It is also a great opportunity to reset timers on outdoor lights and lawn sprinkler systems.
Cal Fire officials have advised that people should test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working correctly, even if they have a 10-year battery. According to Cal Fire, the risk of dying in a house fire is 55% lower in homes with working smoke alarms than those without alarms. Here are some helpful tips to maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:
- Install smoke detectors on all floors of your home or apartment.
- If hardwired into your electrical system, have a backup battery-operated smoke detector in case of a power outage.
- Mount alarms high on walls, at least four to 12 inches from the ceiling.
- Never paint over a smoke detector.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove lint or dust.
- Test the smoke detectors regularly. If the smoke detector "chirps," it is an indication of a low battery, which should be changed.
The Automobile Club of Southern California warns morning drivers to be cautious of pedestrians since it will be dark for an hour longer in the mornings. The time change means California will shift into the same hour as Phoenix and Tucson, which do not switch to daylight saving time, along with the rest of the Mountain Time Zone. Hawaii also stays on its standard time, meaning the islands will be three hours earlier than Los Angeles for the next half year, instead of two hours.
