Daylight saving time began at 2 a.m. this morning and continues through Nov. 4.
Riverside city and county officials emphasized using the occasion to replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“A smoke alarm is one of the cheapest and most effective ways homeowners can provide year- round fire protection for themselves and their families,” Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott said.
According to Riverside fire Battalion Chief Bob Bock, two-thirds of fire-related deaths occur in homes where there are no working smoke alarms.
“Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms unquestionably help save lives, but they are nothing without working batteries inside of them,” said Tonya Hoover, California's fire marshal.
“Just a few minutes twice a year to change that battery can truly mean the difference between life and death.”
