Daylight Saving Time in its current form has been used for more than five decades as a way to reduce energy usage, but emergency officials say it’s also a great time to perform semi-annual safety checks.

The modern idea of daylight saving has been around since the 1890s, and it was first officially implemented by Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1916.

Many countries have used it at various times since then, most consistently since the energy crises of the 1970s.

Donna Nuzzi, city of Santa Clarita emergency services supervisor, encouraged community members to use this time to take some precautionary steps and prepare for an emergency around the house, in a previous interview.

Emergency Preparedness Tips

• Change the batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights and portable radios.
• Check expiration dates on food and water supplies in your home emergency kits, car kits and work backpacks.
• Evaluate your stored water inventory: one gallon of water per person for a recommended five to seven days. Remember that pets need water, too.
• Make copies of important documentation. These copies should be stored on an external hard drive, online, in a safe deposit box or in a home fire safe.
• Review your homeowner’s insurance policy declarations.
• Check in on your out-of-state contact. This person can be used to relay information during an emergency.
• Search your house for potential hazards during emergencies. Secure cabinets, TVs and computers. Keep heavy objects low, and strap water heaters to code.
• Clear debris and leaves from rain gutters. Be prepared for storm weather.
• Stay informed. Text SCEMERGENCY to 888777 to receive emergency messages from the city of Santa Clarita.

For more information on emergency preparedness tips, click here.

Here’s some background information about Daylight Saving Time, a system to reduce electricity usage by extending daylight hours.

Facts:

Sunday, November 5, 2017 – Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am. Set clocks back one hour.

Sunday, March 11, 2018 – Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 am. Set clocks ahead one hour.

It is “Daylight Saving Time” (singular), not “Daylight Savings Time” (plural).

Beginning in 2007, Daylight Saving Time starts in the United States on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Timeline:

1784 – The idea of daylight saving is first conceived by Benjamin Franklin.

1914-1918 – Britain goes on DLS during World War I.

March 19, 1918 – The Standard Time Act establishes time zones and daylight saving. Daylight saving is repealed in 1919, but continues to be recognized in certain areas of the United States.

1945-1966 – There is no federal law regarding Daylight Saving Time.

1966 – The Uniform Time Act of 1966 establishes the system of uniform Daylight Saving Time throughout the United States. The dates are the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. States can exempt themselves from participation.

1974-1975 – Congress extends DLS in order to save energy during the energy crisis.

1986-2006 – Daylight Saving Time begins on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October.

August 8, 2005 – President George W. Bush signs the Energy Policy Act of 2005 into law. Part of the act will extend Daylight Saving Time starting in 2007, from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

2007 – Under the new laws, all of Indiana now observes Daylight Saving Time, where only certain areas of the state did before.

Exceptions in the United States:

• In the United States, Hawaii and most of Arizona do not follow DLS.
• The US territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and American Samoa also do not observe DLS.
• What countries follow Daylight Saving Time?
• About 70 countries around the world observe DLS.
• Many countries near the equator do not adjust their clocks for daylight saving.
• Neither China nor Japan observe DLS.
• Some countries refer to “Daylight Saving Time” as “Summer Time.”

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