Get ready to spring forward Sunday for Daylight Saving Time

Prepare to get less sleep on Sunday, March 12, when Daylight Saving Time begins.

To cope with the time change, the America Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends going to bed earlier a couple of days before.

Getting outside for early morning sunlight the week after can also help your internal clock adjust.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind people when they change their clocks to also test smoke alarms.

“From 2018 to 2021, Washington State fire agencies reported 5,856 building fires that had no working smoke alarms and 5,014 where the status of alarms was unknown,” said the WA State Fire Marshal’s Office. “During that same time period in our state, 267 people died in fires where no working smoke alarm was indicated or the presence and operation were unknown.”

They recommend the following safety tips:

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and test them at least once a month.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound.
Alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers should be used for those with hearing disabilities.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for 10 years from the manufacture date, not the date of installation. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
When changing a battery, follow the smoke alarm manufacturer’s instructions which specify which batteries must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if the wrong kind of battery is used.
In accordance with Washington Administrative Code 212-10, landlords are responsible for the installation and testing of smoke alarms prior to a tenant moving in. Once the tenant takes possession of the rental unit, the tenant is responsible for all maintenance and testing unless agreed upon prior to the tenant moving in. Failure of the owner to abide by the terms of any such agreement does not relieve the tenant of the responsibility to maintain the smoke alarm devices in a fully operational condition at all times.