Louisville, KY – Clocks across Kentucky will jump ahead one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, marking the start of daylight saving time and prompting emergency officials to remind homeowners to complete important safety checks around the house.
According to fire safety agencies and emergency management officials across the state, the twice-yearly time change serves as a convenient reminder for residents to test smoke alarms, replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors, and inspect fire extinguishers. When clocks spring forward early Sunday morning, sunrise and sunset will both occur later compared to Saturday.
In northern Kentucky, Louisville fire officials emphasize the importance of working smoke detectors in both houses and apartment buildings. Residents should test alarms in bedrooms, hallways, and basements and replace batteries if alarms fail to sound during testing.
Across central Kentucky, Lexington emergency management officials say the clock change is also a good opportunity to review household emergency supplies. Residents should check that flashlights work, replace aging batteries in weather radios, and ensure fire extinguishers are fully charged and easy to reach.
Safety experts also recommend reviewing family evacuation plans and clearing exits and stairways to ensure safe escape routes in an emergency. With longer daylight hours arriving after the time change, many homeowners begin seasonal maintenance projects, making Sunday an ideal checkpoint for home safety inspections.
Daylight saving time will remain in effect through the warmer months before ending Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, when clocks fall back one hour. Officials urge Kentucky residents to take a few minutes Sunday morning to test alarms and refresh home safety equipment.
