Spring Forward Sunday, March 12, 2017

Winter may have taken a vacation, but many of us know that the cold weather could still make a comeback this weekend. However, there is one piece of good news on the horizon: Daylight Saving Time will officially begin on Sunday March 12, 2017. The time will spring forward at two o’clock in the morning that Sunday.

While we must go through the task of setting our clocks forward, and rearranging our schedules, at least we have the comforting fact of getting another full hour of daylight. This means that we are closer to warmer weather and long summer nights.

Many believe that the extra hour of sunlight that we receive, more than 70 percent of most of our days, is used for the simple purpose of energy conservation. With more daylight people will not use as many lights and other items in their homes, thus saving them money and the nation a large cost of resources. It also allows more time for outdoor activities and events, which are far more prevalent in the spring and summer.

With the time change, experts again warn people to do their annual check of smoke alarms and fire detectors. Remember that the batteries in these essential items must be replaced every six months, and Daylight Saving Time is a perfect marker for doing so. Also begin making changes as soon as possible to make sure that you and your family are not thrown off by the time change, internally. Sometimes people have a hard time adjusting sleep schedules with the time change, especially families with small children. Getting an early night’s sleep tonight will help you adjust to the change faster than trying to fight it for a few days.

Remember to spring forward on March 12, 2017 and get ready for beautiful weather and the long summer nights to come! With any luck, they will help you get through the last chill of winter.