Cal Fire reminds residents to check smoke alarms when changing clocks

On Nov. 4, daylight savings time will end and residents will turn clocks back one hour. The Ramona Fire Department/Cal Fire says this is a good time to check smoke alarms and change their batteries.

According to Cal Fire, most fatal fires occur at night and every home needs working smoke alarms to provide an early warning. Smoke alarms should be installed in all sleeping rooms, hallways that lead to sleeping areas, and each additional level of the home, says the state fire agency. The alarms should be mounted on the ceiling 4 inches from the wall; wall mounts should be 4 1/2 inches from the ceiling. Smoke alarms should not be in draft areas such as windows and vents.

Cal Fire also recommends residents prepare and practice an escape plan that includes crawling low under smoke and deciding where to meet outside.

For more information, visit www.fire.ca.gov.