How to use the online alarm clock
As you hand the fireplace preparation over to someone else, set the alarm for 8:46 pm so the changeover does not leave a half-finished job. That gives the next person a clear moment to check the hearth, fuel and fireguard before 9:00 pm, rather than relying on a hurried verbal reminder as you leave the room.
With attention shifting between the handover and other evening tasks, the alert needs to be heard by the person taking over. Check whether headphones are still connected, especially wireless ones left nearby, because the alarm may play through them without anyone noticing. The alarm relies on the browser remaining active; if it is shut down or the computer sleeps, the fireplace handover may pass without a sound. Keep a separate reminder if missing 8:46 pm would disrupt the plan.
Before the new person settles into the evening routine, a quick look at the air outside can guide the final fireplace checks. A cold, damp British evening may mean logs or kindling stored outdoors need bringing into a dry place, while a breezy night makes it sensible to confirm that the fireguard and nearby loose items are secure. At 8:46 pm, there is still time to sort those practical details calmly before 9:00 pm.
Common questions
Will it still be right when the clocks change?
Yes. It reads your device's local clock, so the move between GMT and BST at the end of March and October is picked up automatically, as long as the computer's date, time and time zone are set correctly.
Can I use this on a phone?
It works in a mobile browser, but phones lock the screen and suspend background tabs far more readily than a laptop does, which can stop the alarm sounding. For anything important, a desktop or a plugged-in laptop is the steadier option.
Does the alarm still work if I close the tab?
No. Everything runs inside this page, so closing the tab — or quitting the browser altogether — ends the countdown there and then. Leaving it open in the background is all it asks, and switching to another tab makes no difference.
What happens if my laptop goes to sleep before 8:46 pm?
The tab sleeps along with it and the alarm will not sound on time, if at all. If you are relying on it, change the power settings so the machine stays awake, or keep a phone alarm running as well.
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