1 hour of sleep: What to check before clocks fall back

The calendar will shift for many households in the United States over the coming weekend. Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, when clocks fall back one hour to standard time.

This annual adjustment gives residents an extra hour of sleep and brings earlier sunrises and sunsets. The next shift will not occur until March 14, 2027. Because the change happens while people are asleep, it often goes unnoticed until the morning, which is why officials use the date as a reminder for home safety checks.

The American Red Cross on Long Island is using the date to encourage people to verify that their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Jose Dominguez, the Chapter CEO for the American Red Cross on Long Island, said the end of Daylight Saving Time is a good opportunity to test every alarm in the home. He noted that every second counts during a home fire. "The sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place," Dominguez said. He urged residents to help prevent tragedy by checking their devices this weekend.

The Red Cross outlined specific steps for maintenance. Residents should press the test button on every unit to ensure the siren sounds. They should replace standard batteries in detectors, even if the units are hardwired. Carbon monoxide detectors typically require replacement every five to seven years, while smoke detectors last about 10 years. People should check the expiration date on the back of each device. The group also advised cleaning the sensor vents with a vacuum or compressed air once a year.

Fire safety practices remain a central part of the message. The Red Cross advises installing smoke alarms on every level of a home, including inside bedrooms. Households should create an escape plan that includes two ways out of every room. Everyone should know how to call 9-1-1. The group warns against leaving fires unattended and recommends keeping flammable items away from stoves and space heaters. If a grease fire starts, residents should use a lid to suffocate the flames rather than pouring water on the pan.

The American Red Cross on Long Island is also promoting its free Emergency app. The app provides weather alerts and lists open shelter locations. It is available in English and Spanish and is compatible with wearable devices. Users can find the app by searching for the American Red Cross in smartphone app stores.

The next time clocks will change is on March 14, 2027. Until then, residents on the East Coast will remain on standard time.