Time to change clocks, batteries

Today was the end of daylight-saving time, when clocks should have been turned back an hour at 2 a.m. It's also a reminder to change batteries in home smoke detectors.

//

"Incidence of fires always goes up at this time of year because of fireplaces, space heaters and turning on furnaces," said Honey Shore, a Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue spokeswoman.

Dropping temperatures are spurring residents to begin using such heating devices, she said.

Shore said everyone is urged to have smoke detectors on each floor of a house.

The devices are inexpensive and can be purchased at retail, hardware or home-improvement stores.

The fire department will make arrangements for anyone who cannot afford a smoke detector, Shore said.

The department offers free home inspections to assess fire hazards in the home.

To set up a home inspection or to request a smoke detector, call Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue at (706) 863-7745.