DAYTON — Dayton Power and Light encourages its customers to put safety first as everyone prepares for warmer temperatures and to consider easy ways to manage energy use as Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 11, at 2 a.m.

As West Central Ohio “springs forward” this weekend, follow these safety tips to reduce the risk of unsafe situations:

• Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Safety experts recommend replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year.

• Bookmark DP&L’s Outage Center. In the event of an electrical outage, have Outage Center in your phone or tablet so you can easily report an outage, access outage safety tips, and view our outage map.

• Review your family emergency plan. Take a few minutes to put safety first for your family and replenish your emergency outage kit.

Here are a few simple steps than can make a difference when it comes to effectively managing energy usage:

• Choose LED lighting. Replace old incandescent bulbs with newer light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. With energy-efficient ENERGY STAR bulbs you use 70-90% and lasts up to 25 times longer.

• Adjust your thermostat. The less difference in temperature there is between outside and inside your home, the more energy you’re saving. Help reduce heating costs. Set your thermostat back at least 8 degrees each day – when you are at work and/or sleeping.

• Improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. Replace air filters every month.

• Reduce Water Heater Temperature. Check the temperature of your water heater. Lowering your water heater’s temperature and installing low-flow showerheads could reduce energy and your water heating bills.

For more information about other energy efficient measures which can be taken to cut energy costs, visit www.dpandl.com/save.