MADISON, Wis. — As we spring forward into longer days with the start of daylight saving time, now is the time to be prepared for unexpected emergencies and severe weather season.
“Daylight saving time is often seen as the seasons changing, even though its weeks away,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “As we adjust to the time change, it’s a reminder that emergencies can strike at any time and preparation is key to keeping our loved ones and property safe.”
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9 at 2 a.m.
Whether it is a weather-related event, a power outage, or other emergency, ReadyWisconsin recommends everyone should have a plan in place. If you already have a plan, spring is a great time to review it with family members and make any necessary updates.
It is also a good time to assemble or restock a home or vehicle emergency kit. Check for expired products or items that may need to be replaced. Home emergency kits should include items that are needed if someone is stuck at home for a few days, or to grab-and-go if you need to leave the area.
For a home emergency kit, it is important to have a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water in your home. ReadyWisconsin recommends having enough water stored to provide a gallon per person, per day over a three-day period. Other items in a home emergency kit should include:
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle, horn, or another device to signal or help
- Photocopy of person identification, such as a driver’s license
- List of emergency contacts
- Personal medical information and medications
- Items for your pets, including identification tags on collars, veterinarian records, leashes, and a current photo of you with your pets.
Daylight saving time is also an ideal time to prepare your home to better withstand the impact of severe weather events.
- Remove debris from your gutters, drains and downspouts. Make sure downspouts direct water away from your home and not toward your foundation.
- Trim tree limbs and branches so they do not snap off during high winds and damage your home. If you have limbs hanging near power lines, contact your utility provider about having them removed.
- If your home has a sump pump, test it to make sure it is clean and operable. Consider adding a battery-powered backup sump pump to keep the system working if the power goes out.
- Review your home insurance policies to ensure you are covered for hazards that threaten your area. Keep an up-to-date record of your household items and valuable belongings. Take photos of appliances, as well as the interior and exterior structure of your property. These are important when filing insurance claims.
- Check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Test the equipment to ensure it is functioning. Invest in new alarms if they are near or past the recommended replacement age.
ReadyWisconsin is a public safety campaign of Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs.
