Set Clocks Back an Hour on Sunday

This news release is from the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs:

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday as we “fall back” and set clocks back one hour.  This is also a great time to check the things that keep us safe and ready for emergencies. ReadyWisconsin urges you to check these items:

Smoke Detectors – Check and replace batteries if needed and make sure the devices around your house are working properly. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that about 16 million homes in the country have smoke alarms that do not work. In most cases, the batteries are dead or missing. Nearly 2,700 people die and more than 15,000 are injured each year because of fires that started in their homes.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors – Make sure you have working CO Detectors in your home. According to the Centers for Disease Control, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, with more than 20,000 people visiting the emergency room and nearly 500 killed each year from overexposure to the gas.

In addition, all homes and duplexes in Wisconsin are now required to have carbon monoxide detectors. The new Wisconsin law requires detectors on every level of the home including the basement, but not the attic or storage areas. Any dwelling that requires a building permit will be required to have CO detectors directly wired to the electrical service with a backup battery. Existing buildings can use stand-alone battery-powered detectors. 

Emergency Kits – Everyone should have a basic emergency kit in their home with supplies such as food and water to last you and your family for at least three days. Other items like a battery-powered or crank radio, flashlights and a first aid kit should also be included. Daylight Saving Time is a perfect time to get a kit – and if you already have a kit, to check it to make sure food and other items are not near or past their expiration dates.

For more tips on how to prepare you and your family, please go to our website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You’ll find great information on how to get a kit and make a plan for when disaster strikes.