March 10, 2016
Rites and rituals of springtime in Philadelphia; Phillies in Clearwater with all possibilities ahead of them, cherry blossoms and subsequent allergies, Dilworth Park ice rink yielding to water fountains for kids to run through, and another Philly concept, Daylight Saving Time.
Daylight Saving Time, or DST, begins this Sunday morning, when we “spring forward”. 2 a.m. becomes 3 a.m. with the push of a button, wind of a hand or digital adjustment that has no human element involved.
The concept of maximizing daylight is traced to hometown hero Benjamin Franklin, who is remembered in history books as many things; scientist, writer, politician, inventor, diplomat.
He is also known for many things as well, two of which are his proverbs and aphorisms which filled the pages of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”.
One of Franklin’s sayings, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail“, intersects with one of his concepts on time.
This cross-pollination of Franklin thoughts, preparedness and time, are of interest to Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.
Our partners in public safety, the Philadelphia Fire Department, reminds homeowners to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year when you set your clocks.
Philadelphia OEM wants you to also check your emergency plan and supplies at least twice a year as well as part of being prepared.
This includes:
- Having and practicing a Plan.
- Packing a Go Bag.
- Being prepared with a house kit if asked to Shelter-in-Place.
- Having a plan if Evacuated.
- Communication. Stay connected with important transit, weather and emergency information from SEPTA, OEM, police, fire and National Weather Service with our ReadyPhiladelphia alert system.
So, keeping in line with the Ben Franklin’s theme, you can sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia alerts here, because “Well done is better than well said”.
Sign up for Office of Emergency Management’s “ReadyPhiladelphia” notification system to receive alerts on weather or emergency situations.