Time to Change Clocks and Take Stock

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2008 - It's that time of the year again—time to turn your clocks ahead one hour before bed on Saturday.

The days are growing longer, and soon we'll be welcoming spring. This weekend, when you turn your clocks ahead an hour for daylight saving time, get prepared for spring by doing a few things that could save you time during a disaster or emergency situation, when every second counts.

"Sometimes, taking action to get better prepared becomes easier if we incorporate it into activities we're already going to do," says Darlene Sparks Washington, director of preparedness for the American Red Cross. "When you go to the grocery store, you can pick up an extra gallon of water for your disaster supplies kit. When you set your clock back, you can also check the batteries in your smoke alarms."

The American Red Cross recommends that you change your clocks, do the following:

• Check the smoke alarms in your home and at work. Don't forget to check your carbon monoxide detectors as well.
• Update the emergency contact information in your family communications plan.
  Choose an out-of-area emergency contact that each person in your family can call if he/she becomes separated during a disaster situation.
• Make sure that your disaster supplies kit still includes at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items and water (one gallon per person per day), a flashlight, a battery-powered or crank radio, can opener, first aid kit, copies of important documents, and special items such as medications, diapers, and infant formula.
• Check your disaster supplies kit for expired food items and freshen staples such as water, food and batteries. If there have been changes in prescriptions or dietary needs, add new foods and medications as needed.