Fall Back, Stay Safe: An Important Reminder For Minnesota Families

Minnesotans will be falling back an hour this weekend—but your clocks aren't the only thing you should be checking. There’s one quick task experts say could quietly save your life as the time change hits.

While there's been a lot of talk lately about getting rid of Daylight Saving Time-- or, switching to Daylight Saving Time and then not switching back-- the twice-a-year changing of the clocks is upon us again in Minnesota and across the country.

Why Daylight Saving Time Still Matters in Minnesota

Much of that talk was generated by a proposal that would have made Daylight Saving Time, where we move our clocks ahead one hour in the spring and then back again in the fall, permanent. USA Today says the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill (the Sunshine Protection Act) that would have done just that in 2022.

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But that act didn't pass the U.S. House of Representatives and wasn't signed into law. So again this year, after we turned the clocks ahead (and lost an hour of sleep) back in March, we now 'fall back' again this weekend (and get that hour back). It's something we've been doing every year since 1918, when Congress created Daylight Saving Time after adopting the Standard Time Act, Time and Date noted.

The Red Cross Urges This Simple Safety Step

And as we roll the clocks back this weekend-- the clocks we still have to change manually, that is-- here's an important reminder from the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, which reminds Minnesota families to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks back to make sure the devices are working.

According to a Minnesota-Dakotas Home Fire Campaign release, the Red Cross noted that this simple step has had a big impact on keeping Minnesotans safe:

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), working smoke alarms working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out.

Home Fire Safety Tips Every Minnesota Family Should Know

So, here's your official reminder when turning your clocks back this weekend, to test those smoke alarms in your home and replace the batteries if needed! The American Red Cross also passes along the following home fire safety tips, as well:

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• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas.

• Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older. Components such as sensors can become less sensitive over time. Follow your alarm’s manufacturer's instructions.

• Practice your two-minute home fire escape plan. Make sure everyone in your household can get out in less than two minutes — the amount of time you may have to escape a burning home before it’s too late.

• Include at least two ways to get out of every room and select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as your neighbor’s home or a landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone can meet.

And as we fall back again this weekend, we're reminded that it won't be long before Old Man Winter will soon make an appearance in Minnesota as well. But will we have another mild winter, or will it be harsher this year? Mother Nature has a few clues-- keep scrolling to check them out!

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