It’s that time of the year again when we “spring ahead” and move our clocks up one hour. The time change officially takes place at 2:00am on Sunday, March 10, 2013. Not only will we lose an hour of sleep, but bars are affected as well. And don’t forget to check and change those smoke detector batteries.
The Ohio Division of Liquor Control is reminding retail liquor permit holders that are authorized to sell alcohol until 2:30 a.m. that they are required to adjust to the time change and cease operations 30 minutes early. Failure to do so will put them in violation of the law.
“When the clock strikes 2:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, the time will spring forward and be 30 minutes past the legal closing time for bars are restaurants, said Bruce Stevenson, Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Liquor. “All sales and consumption of alcohol at those establishments must cease before the time change.”
State Fire Marshal Larry Flowers is reminding Ohioans to make a potentially lifesaving change when they move their clocks forward on Sunday by changing the batteries in your smoke detectors.
The State Fire Marshal encourages Ohioans to make it a habit to change the batteries in their smoke detectors at least twice a year – at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.
“The cost of a 9-volt battery is about $7.00,” said Marshal Flowers. “Pick up the batteries to be ready for Sunday. It’s a small price for your family’s safety.”
Smoke detectors with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to be effective for up to ten years. But they should be tested. If it is not working, replace the smoke detector immediately. Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten (10) years.
Lt. Governor Mary Taylor adds that preparedness also includes reviewing your insurance coverage:
“Every Ohioan should take fire safety seriously in order to protect themselves, their loved ones and their homes,” Taylor said. “Homeowners should take the time to review their insurance policy, take an inventory of their belongings, and talk to an agent to make sure they have the right coverage at the right price to recover from a fire.”
Marshal Flowers offers these additional tips:
- Test smoke alarms at least once each month to ensure that they are working properly.
- Make sure everyone in the home knows how to respond if the alarm sounds. Practice home fire drills.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your smoke detectors. Instructions can be found on the company’s website if you don’t have them any longer.
- Never “borrow” a smoke detector’s battery for another use.