PowerOutage – Checklist — Tips
Tips

PowerOutage – Checklist — Tips

When the lights flicker and everything goes dark, most of us will spend the first few minutes waiting for the power to return. Rather than grumbling, get up and tackle these simple tasks to keep you and your home safe for the duration. Check to ensure everyone in the house is safe. Find your family members and bring them together in one room to distribute lights and other equipment. If it’s dark, use your cellphone flashlight to prevent injuries or falls. Retrieve your emergency kit. Check that your flashlights are operational and replace batteries if needed. Inventory your candles and…
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Cold Conditions – PowerLines – Safety Tips
Tips

Cold Conditions – PowerLines – Safety Tips

As temperatures fall, rain can freeze, leading to icy and dangerous road conditions. Increased ice accumulation can cause more trees and branches to fall, potentially damaging powerlines and leading to widespread power outages. If you see a downed powerline don’t touch it and call 911. Let utility professionals and emergency personnel handle the situation. Please also keep these safety tips in mind: Always assume powerlines are live and stay as far away as possible. Even downed wires can still be energized and extremely dangerous. Never drive over downed powerlines. Even if they appear inactive, they can be entangled with your…
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Cold Weather – Safety Tips
Tips

Cold Weather – Safety Tips

The holidays have come and gone, but the cold weather won’t be leaving any time soon. Please follow these tips to ensure you and your family’s safety in case of a cold weather-related incident. •Keep your gas tank as full as you can. A full tank will also keep the fuel line from freezing. •While we discourage unnecessary travel during inclement weather, if you must go out, please install good winter tires and make sure they have enough tread. •When driving, increase your following distance from 3 to 4 seconds to 5 to 6 seconds. It takes longer to slow…
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Winter Storm – Water Pipelines – Safety Tips
Tips

Winter Storm – Water Pipelines – Safety Tips

Due to the winter storm, we advise residents to know how to properly shut off their water to keep their homes safe in the event of a burst pipe during freezing temperatures. - Avoid burst pipes by dripping your pipes and opening cabinets under your sinks. - Locate your home’s water shut-off valve before it becomes an emergency. Valves can typically be found in the front yard of your property. Look for an oval steel plate to locate it. - Shut off your water if a pipe bursts! Remove the steel plate that covers the shut-off valve and turn it…
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Winter Storm – Fire Line Do Not Cross
Tips

Winter Storm – Fire Line Do Not Cross

During the winter storm, you may notice branded tape that reads “Fire Line Do Not Cross” in your neighborhood. For your safety, it is incredibly important for all residents to stay away from areas marked off by this tape in the coming days. High visibility fire line tape is used to mark hazards such as downed powerlines, cable lines, trees, and more. For downed powerlines especially, it is critical to stay away as there is no visible way of knowing if they’re charged or not. This tape is also used to keep residents out of potentially dangerous areas affected by…
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Winter Storm Warning !!!  — Safety Tips
Alert, Tips

Winter Storm Warning !!! — Safety Tips

❄️A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for most of north GA from 7 AM Friday to 7 AM Saturday. ⚠️Expect significant accumulations of snow, sleet, and freezing rain that will lead to hazardous travel conditions! Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. These storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. They also can close schools, stores, and workplaces. Winters are getting warmer and shorter because of the climate crisis. But, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, heavier snowfalls are more likely to occur. Take immediate precautions if you…
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Heater/FirePlace Usage – Tips
Tips

Heater/FirePlace Usage – Tips

More than a fifth of residential fires are related to the use of supplemental room heaters, according to the United States Fire Administration. These include space heaters, fan-forced wall heaters, and fireplaces. Before you put logs in the fireplace or plug in the electric heater, take some precautions.•Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.•Keep anything that can burn, including yourself, three feet away from portable space heaters or other heating equipment.•Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.Read more home heating safety tips at GwinnettSafety411.com See less
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American Hearth Month !
Tips

American Hearth Month !

Red doesn't just represent Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services! It’s also worn in honor of American Heart Month, which is celebrated every February. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Here are some ways to get involved during American Heart Month: Eat healthy: Enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Refrain from foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat and cut back on alcohol consumption. Talk with your doctor: Schedule an appointment with your medical professional…
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Stay Warm – Frigid Temp Week
Tips

Stay Warm – Frigid Temp Week

During these frigid temperatures, it’s essential to stay warm and safe. The creosote accumulation or a malfunctioning firebox could lead to a house fire. Ensure your safety and maintain your warmth throughout the chilly season by making sure your heating systems and chimneys are thoroughly cleaned and inspected by professionals every year. For more information visit GwinnettSafety411.com.
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Travel in the winter – Safety Tips
Tips

Travel in the winter – Safety Tips

Travel during the winter has unique risks, especially if you travel by car. Now that the holidays are winding down, it’s important to be prepared and expect the unexpected so your trip home isn’t ruined by freezing temperatures, icy roads, and unfavorable conditions. From blizzards, to ice storms, to howling winds, be aware of the winter risks in places you visit. Check the local weather forecasts and warnings before heading out. If the roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared…
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