READYWISCONSIN NEWS RELEASE: Spring into action: Use daylight saving time to refresh emergency preparedness plans

For Immediate Release
Contact: dmawempio@widma.gov

MADISON, Wis.– As clocks move forward an hour on March 8, it is the perfect time to review and refresh emergency preparedness plans for you and your loved ones.

“Daylight saving time is more than adjusting a clock, it’s an opportunity to be prepared,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. Emergencies can happen at any time and springing into action now can keep our loved ones and property safe.”

Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 8 at 2 a.m.

ReadyWisconsin recommends everyone should have a plan in place so they do not lose sleep when an emergency or disaster occurs. 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.

ReadyWisconsin recommends home emergency kits should have enough water stored to provide a gallon of water 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.

About ReadyWisconsin

ReadyWisconsin is a public service campaign of Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national Ready campaign, ReadyWisconsin aims to educate and empower Wisconsinites to prepare for and respond to both natural and human-made emergencies, while engaging the public and boosting basic preparedness statewide. For more emergency preparedness resources, head to readywisconsin.wi.gov or follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook, X, and Instagram for tips delivered straight to your feed.