Charleston, WV – Clocks across West Virginia will jump ahead one hour at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, marking the start of daylight saving time and prompting emergency officials to urge homeowners to complete several important safety checks inside their homes.
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 the Kanawha Valley, Charleston fire officials stress that working smoke detectors remain the most effective early warning system during a house fire. Residents should test alarms in bedrooms, hallways, and basements and replace batteries if alarms chirp or fail to sound during testing.
Across northern West Virginia, Morgantown emergency management officials also recommend using the time change to check emergency supplies around the home. Residents should confirm flashlights are working, replace old batteries in weather radios, and ensure fire extinguishers are accessible and fully charged.
Officials encourage families to review evacuation plans and make sure exits, stairways, and hallways are clear of obstructions. With longer daylight hours arriving after the time change, many households begin spring maintenance projects, making Sunday an ideal moment to complete 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. Authorities urge West Virginia residents to take a few minutes Sunday morning to test alarms and refresh household safety equipment.
