Daylight Saving Time

Prepare yourselves. 

This Saturday is not only Halloween, it's the night we change our clocks again.

Spring forward - Fall back - so we gain the hour we lost in the spring.

Amtrak published a notice about its train to Canada. The trip is listed as four hours one direction, two hours the other, and the trip actually takes three hours.

World War II was a very long time ago. Seems like it's time (yes) to make a decision to leave the clocks alone.

But we would probably spend 50 years arguing about whether to go back to standard time or stay on daylight time.

And don't forget there may be clocks in your home that will not update themselves. Microwave, oven, coffee pot, the decorative clock on the wall - we'll find out on Sunday.

--Diane Hettrick

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter

On the other hoof, it's kindof exciting to time travel by switching time zones from room to room.

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Spring Forward this weekend

We go forward one hour on Sunday, March 8, 2026, which means that you should change all clocks before you go to bed on Saturday night, as we move into Daylight Saving Time.

Any clock connected to the internet will automatically update, but battery powered and many appliance clocks need to be manually updated.

This is also the time to change the batteries in your smoke alarm. It's a small action but it could save your life.

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Daylight Saving Time kicks off next Sunday, March 8, 2026

Graphic courtesy the Farmers Almanac

Daylight Saving Time kicks off next Sunday, March 8, 2026. 

Don't forget to spring forward and set your clocks ahead by 1 hour on Saturday night before bed. Longer evenings ahead—perfect for those sunset walks!

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Clocks go back this weekend

Don't forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed on Saturday. Coffeemakers, microwaves, ovens, car, battery powered clocks - hard to remember what is connected to the internet and what isn't!

The fire department would be extremely happy if you would take this opportunity to check your smoke alarms and change batteries as needed.

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Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday

Image courtesy King County Council

Don't forget to change your clocks before you go to bed Saturday night. Hint: coffeemaker, microwave, oven, maybe cara, wall clocks, alarm clocks.

I'm always surprised at which time pieces update on their own and which don't.

--Diane Hettrick

 

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Spring Forward this weekend

Cartoon by Whitney Potter

Yup, it's that time again. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9, 2025, which means you move  your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night. Spring ahead - Fall back.

Washington state voted to stay on Daylight time years ago, as did Oregon and California, but it would take and act of congress to authorize it.

--Diane Hettrick

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Did you remember to change your clocks?

I'm sure you all remembered to change your clocks. It's always strange to me to see which of my clocks change by themselves and which don't. The kitchen seems to be the issue - stove, coffee pot, microwave.

I have a space heater with a clock - and I have a lot of battery operated wall clocks. It can be pretty disorienting to go from room to room - losing and gaining an hour.

Shoreline Fire wants you to check your smoke alarms and replace the batteries.

Sen. Patty Murray is pushing for a change to standard time. Maybe that will work.

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Time Change AGAIN !!

Cartoon by Whitney Potter

Time to change the clocks. Set them one hour back before you go to bed on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The official time change is Sunday - but Sunday starts at midnight.

At least we gain an hour this time.

Not everyone appreciates the change (gosh is our cartoonist registering an opinion? he has lots of company). Washington and multiple other states approved the change years ago. However, it would require an act of congress to make it happen - unless we chose to stay on Standard Time.

Fine for people in sunny states, but we need every ounce of daylight we can muster.

Don't forget to change your clocks.

--Editor

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It's that time again: This weekend change your clocks, change your batteries

Daylight savings time will begin on Sunday, March 10 at 2am local time. Clocks will go ahead one hour; part of the twice-annual time change that affects Washington State.

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) along with the National Fire Protection Association want to remind residents to change their home smoke alarm batteries when changing your clocks. 

Because working smoke alarms are a critical element of home fire safety, the SFMO supports any and all efforts to reinforce the importance of working smoke alarm batteries. It’s simple – working smoke alarms save lives.

When it comes to smoke alarms, the SFMO asks that you follow these safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. They should also be interconnected – if one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.
• Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• There are smoke alarms for the hearing impaired. Smoke alarms that are equipped with strobe lights flash when the smoke alarm sounds. The lights warn people of a possible fire.
• For those who are hearing impaired and are asleep, a pillow or bed shaker device can wake them so that they can escape. Most shakers are activated by the sound of a smoke alarm. Research products and select the ones that best meet your needs.
• Don’t Forget – A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire, so close the doors to your bedroom every evening before going to sleep.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.

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The shortest day, the longest night

Photo by Lee Lageschulte

Greetings on the Winter Solstice - the shortest day, the longest night

We've made it through the long, dark nights and now minute by minute the days will be longer every day. You can tell the difference even when there's no sun.

Light at 4pm - thank goodness - and bah humbug to all those 'experts' claiming that standard time is better for us somehow. I want my Daylight Saving Time!

--Cranky Editor

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: Time Change

 

November 5th at 2am, that is!

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Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend - clocks go back an hour

Yes, we voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. So did Oregon and California and other states.

The problem is that it requires congressional action. Enough said.

We still have to turn our clocks twice a year and this weekend is the date.

So turn your clocks back an hour to Standard Time before you go to bed on Saturday night.

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Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend and PSE offers tips to keep energy costs down

PSE offers tips for the end of Daylight Saving Time - Sunday November 4, 2023 at 2am

It’s the time of the year again for big jackets, warm drinks and setting your clocks to fall back an hour.

The winter season is quickly approaching and Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is providing tips for customers to keep energy costs down during the colder, darker months.

Get smart with your thermostat.

You can save as much as 10% a year by simply turning your thermostat down 7-10°F for 8 hours a day. Install and properly set a smart thermostat to make this happen automatically. PSE also offers discounted smart thermostats on the PSE Marketplace.

Weatherize and replace old insulation.

Proper weatherization can save more than $200 a year in reduced heating and cooling costs. 

Insulation is like a blanket for your home – the heavier the blanket, the warmer your home will be in the winter. 

Even adding insulation to a newer home can pay for itself within a few years. 

You can put sweeps along the bottom of your doors or purchase and install inexpensive window sealing kit to block cold drafts. PSE also offers a variety of rebates on weatherization upgrades and window replacements.

Optimize your heating system

Heating can account for up to 60% of monthly energy costs. Schedule a check-up for your heating system to make sure it’s running as smoothly as possible. 

If you have a furnace, check and clean your filters regularly to optimize your equipment’s performance. 

Replacing an inefficient heating system can also help you save on energy bills and improve the comfort of your home. PSE's rebates can make the purchase of an energy-efficient heating system easier on your wallet. Learn more at pse.com/heating.

Update outdoor lighting with LEDs.

Now is the time to check outdoor lights as extreme temperatures can shorten the lifespan of lightbulbs. If you can, replace traditional incandescent lighting with LED fixtures, which use 6 times less energy.

Download PSE’s mobile app before bad weather hits.

Find information on power outages, monitor your energy use and pay bills – all from your fingertips! The myPSE app is available for free in your app store now.

Whether you're buying a home, remodeling or just looking to spend less, you can use PSE’s rebates and offers to save on energy efficiency upgrades. The more efficient your home becomes, the lower your bills can get. Learn more at pse.com/lower.

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Whitney Potter (and the State Fire Marshal) say: Change your clocks this weekend - it's Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 2:00am. The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to remind everyone that when changing your clocks, remember to test your smoke alarm at the same time.

The following safety tips are recommended:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and test them at least once a month.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers should be utilized for those with hearing disabilities.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for 10 years from the manufacture date, not the date of installation. 
• If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• When changing a battery, follow the smoke alarm manufacturer’s instructions which specify which batteries must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if the wrong kind of battery is used.
• In accordance to Washington Administrative Code 212-10, landlords are responsible for the installing and testing of smoke alarms prior to a tenant moving in. 
• Once the tenant takes possession of the rental unit, the tenant is responsible for all maintenance and testing unless agreed upon prior to the tenant moving in. Failure of the owner to abide by the terms of any such agreement does not relieve the tenant of the responsibility to maintain the smoke alarm devices in a fully operational condition at all times.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.

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Turn back - Turn in: Clocks go back, ballots go in

Turn back - Turn in
Melting clocks on Etsy; ballot photo by Alan Charnley

Now that you have reset your clocks from the power outage, turn them back an hour.

Unless you have a tree down over the road, you should be able to get out Sunday to turn in your ballot to a drop box or post office box.

Right now we have more drop boxes than post office boxes, but take your pick.

That may be an exaggeration. Let's see.

Blue boxes: 

• Post office in Gateway Plaza on N 185th. 
• By Subway Sandwiches in Ballinger Terrace. 
• Town Center LFP?
• Bitter Lake post office - drive up

Drop boxes:

• Town Center LFP by City Hall
• Shoreline Library NE 175th and 5th NE
• Aurora Park n Ride N 192nd and Aurora

--Diane Hettrick

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Cartoon by Whitney Potter: We heard this last year

Change your clocks before you go to bed on Saturday night. 

Spring ahead - fall back.

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Change your clocks and check your smoke alarms this weekend - and don't forget to vote

This Sunday, November 6, 2022, marks the end of daylight savings time. 

The Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages you to check your smoke alarm when turning back your clocks.

And everyone is reminding you to turn in your ballot!

 

Smoke alarms will save your life in the event of a fire, but only if they are in good working condition.

 

Follow these guidelines for all home smoke alarms:

 

• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, in hallways outside bedrooms, and on every floor of the home, including basements. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Install smoke alarms that have strobe lights and bed shakers for those who are hard-of-hearing or deaf.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years from the manufacture date. If the alarms chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. Also, replace the smoke alarm if the manufacture date is more than 10 years old.
• Press the test button to ensure your smoke alarm is working properly. Also make sure everyone in the home knows the sound a smoke alarm makes and how to respond if it goes off.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Rental housing must also have working smoke alarms. Contact your landlord or property manager if your rental home does not have smoke alarms installed. Maintenance and testing of smoke alarms is the responsibility of the tenant.
• Contact your local fire agency for additional assistance. Many local fire agencies have smoke alarm programs that may provide free devices and installation.

 

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360-596-3929.

 

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Get ready to set your clocks back on November 6, 2022

Washingtonians will “fall back” on November 6 and will turn their clocks back by one hour, returning to standard time. 

Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill in 2019 to establish permanent daylight saving time, keeping clocks “sprung forward” year-round. 

However, a congressional waiver is required before that can happen. 

The U.S. Senate passed the Sunshine Protection Act of 2021 this spring, which could institute permanent daylight savings time if the U.S. House of Representatives and President Joe Biden both approve.

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CORRECTION: SPRING AHEAD this weekend into Daylight Saving Time

 

Spring FORWARD

Fall BACK

2am Sunday, March 13, 2022 or before you go to bed Saturday set your clocks and non-wifi devices an hour ahead. 

Phone, computer, TV will be ok but the coffee pot is always a surprise.

Oh, and ignore what I said yesterday. I'm a little dyslexic with time changes.

--Diane Hettrick

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