As Daylight Saving Time ends, fire safety warnings begin

Daylight Saving Time has officially ended — and that brings a safety message from firefighters.

At 2 a.m. Sunday, clocks were turned back an hour. Officials urged people as they make the change to also replace batteries on safety devices around the house.

"Firefighters know the importance of home fire safety. That's why the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department urge you to change all of your smoke alarm batteries as well as the batteries in your carbon monoxide (CO) detectors when you change your clocks back to standard time this weekend," the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement.

Daylight Saving Time was designed to save energy. It is observed across the country except in Hawaii and most of Arizona.

For several years, fire officials have tried to use the event to bring attention to smoke alarms.

You'd never let a simple convenience like your television remote control go without batteries. Why then ignore the most important devices in your home?" the LAFD said.

— Shelby Grad

Photo: A smoke alarm. Credit: Los Angeles Times