The Intersection of Daylight Saving, Preparedness, and Ben Franklin | Office of Emergency Management | Posts

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November 2, 2016

The original Philly hometown hero, Benjamin Franklin, is remembered in history books as many things; scientist, writer, politician, inventor, diplomat.

Franklin is known for many things as well, two of which are his proverbs and aphorisms. Many of his sayings filled the pages of Poor Richard’s Almanac.

One of Franklin’s expressions, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”, intersects with one of his concepts on time. The term Daylight Saving Time did not come from Ben Franklin, although it’s attributed to him in errant sometimes. The concept of maximizing daylight is traced to him however.

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 6th at 2 a.m., when we turn our clocks back an hour.

This cross-pollination of Franklin thoughts, preparedness and time, are of interest to Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management. You hear reminders in the spring and fall to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when you set your clocks forward or back. We want you to also check your emergency plan and supplies at least twice a year as well.

So, keeping in line with the Ben Franklin theme, take action to become emergency prepared, because “Well done is better than well said”.

What You Can Do to be Prepared

Create a Family Emergency Plan that includes everyone: those with access and functional needs and your pets too.
Make a Go-Bag and a Shelter-in-Place kit.
Know the Fire Safety Rules and develop a Fire Escape Plan with help from the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Test your smoke alarm. Nationally, three of five fire deaths do not have a working smoke detector in the home. Don’t have one? The Philadelphia Fire Department has one for free. Contact Philly 3-1-1.
Keep in communication. Sign up for the City’s mass communication system, ReadyPhiladelphia. Its free and bring you information direct from the National Weather Service, SEPTA, and City agencies such as OEM, Philadelphia Police, Philadelphia Fire, Philadelphia Prisons, and Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining Complex.

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