Time to spring forward this Sunday

Van Wert independent/submitted information

It’s time to spring forward this Sunday, as Daylight Savings Time kicks into effect at 2 a.m. this Sunday, March 11. In addition, two state agencies also have reminders related to the change to Daylight Savings Time.

State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers is reminding Ohioans to make a potentially lifesaving change when they move their clocks forward on Sunday: Change the batteries in your smoke detectors!

In conjunction with Ohio’s fire departments, the Division of State Fire Marshal encourages Ohioans to make it a habit to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at least twice a year — at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.

Marshal Flowers said firefighters still find that smoke detectors, which typically retail for less than $10, are often not present in homes or are not functional. Through March 7, 35 people have died in 32 fatal residential fires reported to the Division of State Fire Marshal. Smoke detectors were confirmed present in nine (28 percent) of those fires and functioning in only two (6 percent) of the incidents.

“Working smoke alarms and a well-practiced home fire escape plan save lives,” said Marshal Flowers.  “Ohioans can greatly reduce tragic fire deaths and injuries by simply replacing smoke detector batteries. A disabled detector will not save you or your family’s lives.”

Smoke detectors, when properly installed and maintained, provide early warning when fire occurs.  For the greatest protection, install a smoke detector on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area.  Also, develop an escape plan and make sure every family member knows what to do and where to meet outside if the fire alarm sounds.

Marshal Flowers offers these additional tips:

• Test smoke detectors at least once each month to ensure that they are working properly.
• Vacuum the dust from inside the detector at least once every year.
• Change batteries in battery-operated detectors twice a year or whenever a detector “chirps” to signal low battery power.
• Never “borrow” a smoke detector’s battery for another use.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

For more information about smoke alarms and fire safety tips, visit www.com.ohio.gov/fire.

Bruce D. Stevenson, superintendent of the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, also wants to remind all retail liquor permit holders that Daylight Saving Time in Ohio starts this weekend.

“When the clock strikes 2 on Sunday morning, the time will spring forward and be, in fact, 3 a.m., 30 minutes past the legal closing time for permit holders who are authorized to operate alcohol sales until 2:30 a.m.,” said Stevenson. “All sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages at those permit premises must cease prior to 2 a.m., when clocks should be advanced one hour.”

For most of us, however, the change to Daylight Savings Time just means an hour’s less sleep (or getting up an hour later, which is more likely).