Daylight Saving Time Ends This Weekend

Before going to bed Saturday night, remember to set your clocks back one hour.

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. November 3, 2013. 

Most computers and cell phones automatically roll back, so no need to adjust those.

With the time change, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department encourages everyone to use this weekend as a reminder to check your smoke alarms.

"Working smoke alarm have been proven to save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), almost two-thirds of home fire fatalities resulted from homes that either had no smoke alarms or a non-working smoke alarm. Checking your smoke alarms during the beginning and end of daylight savings time is a simple, life-saving habit that can keep your smoke alarm functioning properly," a news release from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department reads.

Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from fire officials:

• Place properly installed and maintained smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas and on every level of your home.

• Interconnected smoke alarms are best, because if one sounds, they all sound. 

• Get smoke alarms that can sound fast to all types of fires. CAL FIRE recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms or dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.

• Inspect, test and clean smoke alarms and change alkaline batteries at least once every year, or when the alarm signals (“chirps”) the end of the battery life. You can use a date you already know, like your birthday or when you change your clocks as a reminder.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions if you have a 10-year smoke alarm which uses a long-life lithium battery.

• Never paint over a smoke alarm.

• Replace your smoke alarm at least every ten years.

• Practice exit drills so everyone understands what to do when they hear a smoke alarm.

Keep your smoke alarm working, NEVER REMOVE BATTERIES FROM YOUR ALARM.

For more information on fire safety, visit the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department website at www.rvcfire.org.