"Spring forward” and “fall back” serve as reminders for safety checks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 14, at 2 a.m., which means you’ll need to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night or when you wake up Sunday morning. Sunrise and sunset will be about one hour later on March 14 than the day before, providing more light in the evening.
According to Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington, the two times a year we set our clocks forward and back serve as a good reminder check the batteries and test smoke alarms and review .
“It is critical to your safety that you have working smoke alarms in your home. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, in every bedroom, and outside each sleeping area,” Pennington says.
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, Pennington added. This is also a good time to practice your home fire escape plan. Include at least two ways to get out of every room. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet. Practice your plan until everyone can escape in two minutes or less. The Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to Springfield residents.
Contact the Fire Department at 417-874-2300 or [email protected] to request one.
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Media inquiries are directed to the Springfield Fire Department media line at 417-874-2301.