Spring Forward into Daylight Saving Time  

NEW CITY, NY, - As you “spring forward” and set your clocks an hour ahead for Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, March 9, you can look forward to enjoying the extra daylight and activities like going for a walk, gardening, or spending time outside.

In addition, take time to:

• Gradually shift your bedtime and wake-up time before the time change to give your body time to adjust. Go to bed 15 or 20 minutes earlier each night before the time change. According to the Sleep Foundation, a lack of sleep caused by the time change can affect thinking, decision-making, and productivity. Studies have even found an association between the transition to daylight saving time and short-term risk of heart attacks, stroke, traffic accidents, emergency room visits, and serious mood disturbances.

• Update your emergency supply kit. If you don’t have an emergency supply kit yet, now is the time to put one together. Have a several-day supply of food and water stored in your home, with at least one gallon of water per person per day. Remember your pets - they need their own food and water. Your emergency supply kit should also contain flashlights, a hand-operated can opener, a radio, batteries, and copies of important documents. For more information about being prepared for emergencies, visit the Rockland County Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness web page.
  
  
• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and change replaceable batteries, if needed. The Rockland County Department of Health’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program can assist low-to moderate-income residents and seniors, at no charge, with battery changes and alarm replacements as supplies last. For more information, call (845) 364-3290 or email Healthyneighborhoods@co.rockland.ny.us.

###

Follow us on X: @rockhealth
Follow us on Instagram: Instagram.com/rocklandhealth
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/rockhealth
Visit our website: RocklandCountyNY.gov