Time to Fall Back! Daylight Saving Time Ends Tomorrow – Don’t Forget to Set Clocks and Check Detectors

As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end, it's time to turn back the clocks one hour on Sunday, November 3rd, at 2 a.m. While the extra hour may bring a welcome chance to sleep in, it's also an important reminder to check and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensuring homes stay safe as colder weather approaches.

The origins of Daylight Saving Time date back over a century. Although popularly associated with energy conservation, the concept of shifting clocks to make better use of daylight has roots in 18th-century proposals by figures like Benjamin Franklin, who suggested waking up earlier to save candle usage. However, modern implementation did not take place until World War I when the idea was adopted in Europe and the United States to conserve fuel by reducing the need for artificial lighting. The practice continued intermittently, gaining broader acceptance in the 1960s and eventually becoming a standard adjustment for most states in the U.S.

While the effectiveness of Daylight Saving Time in conserving energy is debated today, many still appreciate the seasonal shift as it aligns daylight hours more closely with active parts of the day. However, the time change also presents safety challenges, as shifting light conditions can affect visibility for morning and evening commutes, and adjusting to the new schedule can disrupt sleep patterns.

To ensure a smooth transition, take a moment tonight to set clocks back one hour before bed. And remember to change the batteries in smoke and CO detectors, a small task that can have a major impact on home safety during the winter season.