Spring forward, keep safe

(TULSA, Okla.) Make plans to “spring forward” this weekend, because Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 14, at 2:00 a.m. For most, this means updating your microwaves and vehicle clocks. Your smart phone has a way of taking care of itself. It’s also a day experts recommend people “spring” into some annual safety maintenance. The folks at Safe Kids say having a working smoke alarm doubles your chances of surviving a fire. They recommend people check their smoke alarms (and change the batteries if necessary) in addition to maximizing the extended daylight hours. Click here to find more information about fire safety: https://safekids.org/fire Springtime is also storm season for much of the U.S. FEMA suggests taking these 12 steps so you’re prepared for any disaster: 1. Sign up for Alerts and Warnings 2. Make a Plan 3. Save for a Rainy Day 4. Practice Emergency Drills 5. Test Family Communication Plan 6. Safeguard Documents 7. Plan with Neighbors 8. Assemble or Update Supplies 9. Get Involved in Your Community 10. Make Your Home Safer 11. Know Evacuation Routes 12. Document and Insure Property Click here to find more information about each of FEMA’s 12 preparedness steps: https://www.ready.gov/be-informed While tornadoes get a lot of news coverage, weather officials say flooding is the biggest weather threat in the spring. According to ready.gov, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. People should not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. In other words, “turn around, don’t drown”. Click here to find more information about flood safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood Click here to find more information about tornado safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tornado