It’s time to turn the clocks forward one hour on Sunday, March 9, and remember to reset sprinkler system timers and test home safety devices, too.
Sunday marks the beginning of daylight saving time. Homes with automatic sprinkler systems should consider reviewing settings to avoid risking fines for watering at the wrong time. Also, check to see if irrigation timers have back-up batteries that need changing.
Daylight saving time is a great time to install fresh batteries and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. When functional, these devices can double a family’s chance of surviving a home fire or an unsafe carbon monoxide level.
Sprinkler System Reminders
All watering must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Residents are reminded that the schedule for watering established lawns and landscaping in unincorporated Hillsborough County recently changed:
| Address | Day |
|---|---|
| Addresses ending in the number 0, 1, 2 or 3 | Monday & Thursday |
| Addresses ending in the number 4, 5 or 6 | Tuesday & Friday |
| Addresses ending in the number 7, 8 or 9 | Wednesday & Saturday |
It’s worth the few minutes it takes to check and reset the timer of an automatic sprinkler system. For residents living in unincorporated Hillsborough County, violating the restrictions could mean a penalty of $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and so on, leading up to $500 for the fifth and succeeding violations. Non-payment will result in a summons to appear before a code enforcement special magistrate, and the possibility of additional fines and a lien being placed against the property.
For more information please visit our Water Restrictions page.
Home Safety Reminders
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue reminds residents to test and change batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to protect their family and home.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes where there are no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. A working CO detector is important because carbon monoxide gas is colorless and odorless, and silently poisons victims without their knowledge. Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of fuel in various products, including furnaces, portable generators, fireplaces, cars and charcoal grills.
In addition to changing smoke alarm batteries this weekend, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, both inside and outside any sleeping areas, especially if family members sleep with their bedroom doors closed.
- Keep smoke alarms clean because dust may prevent them from working properly.
- Listen for the smoke alarm “chirping” noise which indicates low battery power and replace batteries immediately.
- Replace smoke alarms about every 10 years. Write the purchase date with a marker on the back of the smoke alarm.