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Reminder: Clocks ‘Fall Back’ 1 Hour on Sunday

By TWIW Staff | November 5, 2021
Last Updated: November 5, 2021

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 7, and Massachusetts fire officials are reminding residents to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks.

“Working smoke and CO alarms are key to surviving a fire or carbon monoxide leak,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “As we ‘fall back’ this weekend, remember to check your alarms when you change your clocks.  Unless you have newer alarms with 10-year sealed batteries, this is a good time to replace the alkaline batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms or replace the entire device if it’s more than 10 years old.”

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AAA Northeast is also issuing imprortant reminders on driving habits with the end of daylight saving time this weekend.  AAA Northeast says while the time change brings an initial extra hour of sleep, drivers need to be focused on the road as it gets darker earlier. The dangers of drowsy driving and the challenges of driving in the dark are always present but never more so than when drivers suddenly find changing conditions.

“Drowsy driving is a significant traffic safety issue,” said Mary Maguire, Director of Public and Government Affairs. “Americans ‘falling back’ by moving their clocks back by one hour may think they are gaining an extra hour of sleep, but many people find they don’t sleep as well in the weeks following the clock change—which can lead to driving tired.”  

AAA recommends that drivers:

  • Should not rely on their bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness and should instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.
  • Travel at times of the day when they are normally awake.
  • Avoid heavy foods.
  • Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.

Clocks officially fall back at 2 AM on Sunday, going back one hour to 1 AM.  While some electronics like your phone and cable box will likely automatically turn back one hour, appliances in your home like your stove and microwave will likely need to be changed manually. It’s also recommended to change the clock in your car back an hour on Saturday night.

We turn the clocks ahead an hour on March 13, 2022.

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