Daylight Saving Time begins: March 9, 2025 at 2 a.m.

FUN FACT: The term Daylight Savings Time is commonly misused referring to the biannual change of the clocks. When first established politicians wanted people to feel that they were saving time, when there is actually no time saved just adjusted. Therefore the term "savings" which indicates a collection of something is incorrect although much easier to say.

Preparing for spring weather benefits your safety and your savings

March traditionally marks the onset of storm season in many parts of the country and that means everyone needs to be prepared,” said Paul Quinn, head of claims customer experience with Farmers Insurance. “Safety and preparedness should be in the forefront of everyone’s mind as they prepare for spring this year in addition to home preparation.

”Quinn recommends that homeowners in all parts of the country consider taking a few simple steps to help protect their homes against harsh hail and wind storms including:
  • Prepare your home’s exterior. Take the time to reinforce roofs before storm season hits. Hurricane straps or clips can be installed to help secure the roof-to-wall connections.
  • Secure your windows with storm shutters. Don’t have shutters? You can make do with soft protective coverings, like blankets, in your home away from windows. You can also use them to help shield yourself from any flying debris.
  • Consider bringing outdoor items inside to protect them. If you can’t get them all inside remember to protect glass tables and secure lawn furniture/umbrellas and trash receptacles.
  • Stay inside during a hailstorm, if possible. Try to stay away from skylights and doors. Close drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent the wind from blowing shattered window glass inside. Be sure your family is safe and don’t forget to bring pets inside, too.
  • Keep materials on hand to cover any broken windows or other openings to your home. It’s important to keep wind and water out of these areas to prevent further storm damage.
In addition to hail, nearly 20 percent of claims due to wind or tornado damage occur in spring, as well as 17 percent of all water claims, which includes things like sewer and drain damage, which typically increases due to melting snow coupled with increased rain.

“Spring weather brings on more than just hail and can vary across the country,” explains Quinn. “Homeowners need to be prepared for the unexpected, like the potential for sewer and drain issues or even a late season snow which could lead to an ice dam.”

Other springtime preventive steps that Quinn suggests for homeowners include:
  •  Don’t neglect your roof gutters. You can minimize the potential for water damage or even ice dams by keeping your gutters free of clogs and debris, and repairing sections of gutters or downspouts that have come loose.
  • Consider installing a sewer backflow valve. Designed to temporarily prevent return flow into a home from sewer lines, this valve can come in handy during periods of significant rainfall when the capacity of some sewers may be exceeded and a combination of storm water and wastewater could be released into your basement.
  • Landscape with a purpose. Moisture-seeking trees, bushes and shrubs can infiltrate very small cracks in sewer pipes and, as their roots grow, can widen cracks and cause blockages. A plumber can intervene to get to the “root” cause.
  • Keep an eye on your French drains. These drains are a great way to keep outside water from coming into your house. However, you need to make sure that your French drains aren’t connected to your sanitary sewer as the water from the drains can create sewer backups.

Information courtesy of The Farmers® Seasonal Smarts Digest,