With the start of daylight saving time, officials are urging residents to take extra precautions for both fire safety and road safety.
The San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department is reminding the public that adjusting clocks is also a good time to check smoke alarms.
More than 50 percent of home fire deaths are attributed to non-working smoke alarms, the department posted on social media.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoke alarms should be tested monthly. To do so, press the “test” button on the unit; if it emits a loud, clear alarm sound, it is functioning properly.
If not, it may be necessary to replace the battery or the entire smoke detector depending on the issue.
Alarms should be placed inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area and on every level of the home, according to the Fire Administration website.
If the smoke alarm sounds, there may be less than two minutes to get everyone outside and safe, the Fire Administration said.
Time change linked to crashes
Meanwhile, the City of Berkeley is reminding drivers to stay alert in the wake of the time change that took place early Sunday.
DST began at 2 a.m. on Sunday, with clocks moving forward one hour. The time change has been linked to an increase in driving accidents, city officials said.
A 20-year study published in “Current Biology” analyzed over 732,000 car crashes, finding a 6% increase in fatal crashes during the week following the switch to daylight saving time, according to AAA – The Auto Club Group.
Additionally, the city is encouraging the public to create and maintain kits for household emergencies. The kits should include water, a first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries, a fire extinguisher, a manual can opener and non-perishable food, according to the city website.
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