BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Residents will be setting their clocks back one hour Nov. 5 as Daylight Saving Time officially ends that date.

This annual tradition, often called “falling back,” grants people an extra hour of sleep the following morning, though it also means shorter daylight hours in the evening.

The change will occur at 2 a.m. when the clocks will be turned back to 1 a.m.

While many digital devices automatically adjust to the time change, citizens must manually alter any non-digital clocks, including those on household appliances, cars and wall clocks.

It is also an opportune moment for households to check and change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, ensuring safety throughout the upcoming winter months.

Daylight Saving Time, first implemented to conserve energy during World War I, has been a topic of debate regarding its modern-day relevance and impact on health. While some argue it no longer serves a significant purpose, others emphasize its benefits, such as reducing evening traffic accidents during the warmer months.

DST will resume March 12, 2024, when clocks will “spring forward” one hour. Until then, evenings will be darker earlier, foretelling the approaching winter season.