Clocks Fall Back Sunday

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 1. At that moment, clocks will turn back one hour to return to standard time. Residents will gain an extra hour of sleep that night. The shift also causes the sun to rise and set earlier in the day.

The period of daylight saving time will last until March 14, 2027. That is when clocks will spring forward again. For now, households can expect slightly longer evenings and earlier mornings for the next five months.

The American Red Cross on Long Island uses this date as a reminder for home maintenance. The organization advises families to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when they change their clocks. This simple step ensures that safety devices are functioning before winter heating systems are used heavily.

Jose Dominguez is the Chapter CEO for the American Red Cross on Long Island. He stated that the end of daylight saving time is a good opportunity to test every smoke alarm in the home. He noted that every second counts during a home fire. The sooner an alarm alerts residents, the sooner they can reach a safe location.

The Red Cross provides specific instructions for maintaining these devices. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of a home. They must also be placed inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Units that are 10 years old or older need replacement. Homeowners should test the devices once a month and replace batteries at least once a year if the model requires it.

Carbon monoxide detectors have a shorter lifespan than smoke alarms. These devices typically need replacement every 5 to 7 years. Users should check the manufacture or expiration date printed on the back of the unit. A carbon monoxide detector belongs on every level of the home and near or outside each sleeping area.

Cleaning is also part of the maintenance routine. Dust and debris can block sensor vents. The Red Cross recommends gently vacuuming the units or using a compressed air duster once a year. This helps ensure the sensors can detect hazards effectively.

Beyond alarms, the Red Cross lists several fire safety practices. Households should create an escape plan that identifies two ways to leave every room. Everyone should know where to meet outside. Families should practice this escape at least twice a year. Children should learn what smoke alarms sound like and how to call 9-1-1.

The organization also lists common mistakes to avoid. People should not leave fires, candles, or heating appliances running while asleep or away from home. Kitchen fires often start on stovetops, so cooks should not leave the area while frying or grilling. Grease fires should never be put out with water. A lid can suffocate the flames if a fire starts in a pan. Flammable items like curtains should stay away from stoves.

The Red Cross offers a free mobile app for additional preparedness. The app provides weather alerts and shelter locations. It is available in English and Spanish and works on Apple Watch and Android devices. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross.