Get set to turn your clocks ahead one hour this weekend.
Daylight Saving Time officially starts at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, March 9, with the time shifting to 3 a.m. The change is made to take advantage of longer daylight available during the spring and summer months, with darkness falling later at night.
Digital clocks like those on cellphones will change automatically.
Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services says this is also a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in proper working order, and to change batteries if needed. A properly functioning carbon monoxide alarm detects dangerous levels of the invisible, odourless gas that can be fatal.
Some safety tips from Lethbridge Fire and EMS include:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly;
- Replace batteries at least once a year or whenever the low-battery warning sounds;
- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in every bedroom and outside of sleeping areas; and
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms, according to manufacturer guidelines.
Officials say it is important to ensure everyone in your home recognizes the sound of the alarms and knows what to do during an emergency.
The time change is an opportune time to review your fire escape plan, inspect fire extinguishers and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them.
SAFE COOKING PRACTICES
Earlier this week, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services issued a reminder regarding cooking safety. Officials say there has been a rise in reports of cooking oil being left unattended on stoves, resulting in flashover fires.
READ MORE: LFES offers kitchen fire safety reminders
