Get ready to loose an hour of sleep this weekend. At 2 a.m. on March 11, 2012, sleepy eyed Americans will turn their clocks forward one hour, marking the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. This year, daylight saving time will run from March 11 until Nov. 4, unless you’re in Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. They don’t do daylight saving time.
Benjamin Franklin has been credited with the idea of daylight saving time, but Britain and Germany began using the concept during World War I to conserve energy, the Washington Post says. The U.S. used daylight saving time for a brief time during the War, but it didn’t become widely accepted in the States until after World War II.
When you spring forward this weekend also put home safety at top of mind. Replace batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, once the batteries are replaced, test these safety devices to ensure they work properly. Prepare or restock an emergency supply kit for your home. Prepare or restock an emergency supply kit for your vehicle.
Check home, yard and shed for hazardous materials and carefully discard any that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition.
