Turn The Clocks Back This Weekend And Check Your Smoke Alarms

This weekend we should all turn the clocks back one hour to mark the end of Daylight Saving Time, creating a blissful extra hour of sleep Sunday morning.

The American Red Cross recommends that everyone take the time to get prepared for fall and winter by checking their emergency preparedness supplies - a step that could save time during an emergency.

When turning the clocks back, people should also check the batteries in their smoke alarms, and make sure the alarms work by pushing the test button. It’s also a good time for everyone to check their carbon monoxide detectors. Folks should replace the batteries in both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a year.

Other steps people can take to get prepared include:

• Updating the emergency contact information in their family communications plan. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact that each person in the household can call if he/she becomes separated during a disaster situation.
• Making sure their emergency preparedness kit still includes at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water (one gallon per person per day), a flashlight, a battery-powered or crank radio, can opener, first aid kit, copies of important documents, and special items such as medications, diapers, and infant formula.
• Checking their emergency preparedness kit for expired food items; refreshing staples such as water, food and batteries. If there have been changes in prescriptions or dietary needs, add new foods and medications as needed.

Taking simple actions like these can help people be better prepared for a disaster situation. More information on how families can get ready for an emergency is available on www.redcross.org So, when turning back the clock this weekend, people should take a few extra minutes to ensure that their loved ones are better prepared for the unexpected.