As the time change approaches on Sunday, the City of Renton wants to remind residents to make another important change — replacing the batteries in flashlights, smoke alarms and portable radios.

With recent winter storms still fresh in everyone’s minds and the possibility of additional storms, disasters and emergencies occurring, now is a good time to revisit your families’ preparedness level, according to city officials.

Storms, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters can instantly disrupt daily lives by suddenly cutting electrical power. A short power outage might result in no more than the inconvenience of having to reset electric clocks. However, loss of electrical power for longer durations can place us at risk of injury, illness and even death.

“When the lights go out in a home, a simple flashlight can prevent injury or worse,” says Fire Chief/Emergency Services Administrator I. David Daniels. “A portable radio can be an invaluable link to important information. However, neither the flashlight nor the radio will be of use unless they are in working order.”

To save lives and prevent needless injuries in Renton, the Fire and Emergency Services Department is supporting the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Energizers campaign for the spring Power Through It All™ campaign. The program urges citizens to adopt a simple habit: changing flashlight and portable radio batteries when changing clocks forward to daylight savings time each spring.

Residents are always encouraged to have needed supplies on hand that include essential items such as a portable radio, working flashlights, extra batteries, food, water and first aid supplies.

For additional information on emergency supplies and ways to be better prepared, contact the Emergency Management Office at 425-430-7000 or log onto rentonwa.gov