Be Safe as you Spring Forward

Sunday, March 14 at 2:00 a.m. we revert to standard time. We must all remember to move our clocks forward 1 hour – "spring forward "- so as not to miss our standing Sunday appointments and fall out of step with the rhythm of our lives.  In addition, to help  keep us safe in our homes, the University of Oklahoma Police Department recommends tasks we might consider carrying out in conjunction with adjusting our clocks.

Coinciding with the time change, the department recommends:

• Checking and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms
• Preparing disaster supply kit for your house (water, food flashlights, batteries, blankets). If kit is already prepared, do semi-annual check ing of contents including testing /replacing flashlight batteries).
• Preparing or checking car-emergency kit and include a separate “Cold Gear” bag with items necessary for one to stay comfortable in case of emergency in cold weather.
• Checking home and outbuilding storage areas for hazardous materials (HAZMATS). Discard safely all unused and outdated. (In Bernalillo County, call 1 877 643-1956 or344-3655)
• Checkingand discarding (safely) all expired medications.

The same checks should be carried out again in the fall when we switch to daylight saving time again.

Finally, the United States Consumer Protection Safety Commission suggests:

• Replacing smoke alarms every ten years. 
• Replacing carbon monoxide alarms every five years.

Have a safe and happy spring!