CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Remember that extra hour of sleep you enjoyed last November? Well, you’re about to give it up as you “spring forward” an hour for daylight saving time.
This Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins with the bright side being you’ll get an extra hour of daylight in the evening through November 1 this year.
Most digital devices featuring the time will change automatically, but for those analog time pieces it’s a good idea to set them ahead before you got to bed Saturday night so you don’t forget.
What you may not know is the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is actually in charge of daylight saving time as well as all of the time zones across the country.
According to the DOT, with more hours of sunlight,daylight saving time saves lives by reducing traffic accidents, helps lower crimes committed after dark, and more people are outside which saves energy in homes.
Some of the strongest opponents to the time change say it can affect a persons sleep pattern.
One of the most important aspects of the time change is a reminder to test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries. Captain Michael Rios, Public Information Officer with Clarksville Fire Rescue talked about smoke alarms.
“It is a great time to test your smoke alarms and replace the batteries. It’s important to have smoke alarms, but more importantly, making sure that those smoke alarms work properly is vital. If your smoke alarms are older than ten years old, they should be replaced. They should be installed on every level of the home, outside the sleeping area, and inside each bedroom,” said Rios.
If you need smoke alarms, please call the fire prevention office at (931)645-7462 or visit www.clarksvillefirerescue.org and look for the free smoke alarm tab.