Fall Into Fire & Life Safety

The fall season is the start of family gatherings, festive decorations, and delicious meals — but it also brings unique fire and life safety hazards that can turn celebrations into emergencies. With a little preparation, you can keep the season safe and joyful. Halloween will be here before you know it. Watch this video with your children as a reminder to follow important safety tips while trick-or-treating. When decorating for the upcoming holiday season: Use battery-operated candles. They give the same glow without the flame. Keep decorations and Christmas trees away from flames and heat sources. When buying an artificial tree,…
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Keeping Children Safe Preparing For Unexpected

Keeping Children Safe Preparing For Unexpected

Gwinnett families, keeping our children safe means preparing for the unexpected. Many children’s first reaction to a fire is to hide under the bed or in a closet. You don’t get to pick the day an emergency happens, but you can prepare for it. Fire safety starts at home, and it starts today. Here are a few steps from our new PSA to help protect your children: • Test smoke alarms every month • Show kids two ways out of each room • Pick a safe meeting place outside • Teach kids: once outside, stay outside and never go back inside the home…
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Hazard Mitigation Plan

Hazard Mitigation Plan

With the recently approved Hazard Mitigation Plan, we’re taking proactive measures to protect lives and property.This plan — created in partnership with our municipalities — identifies potential hazards and creates a framework to help local officials make informed decisions to keep our community safe. It also provides a strategy for implementing mitigation projects like installing generators at critical facilities, improving stormwater infrastructure, and boosting community preparedness through outreach.To read our Office of Emergency Management’s 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan, visit: GwinnettCounty.com/HazardMitigation
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Safety Reminder Avoiding Fire Hazards

Safety Reminder Avoiding Fire Hazards

Leaves are falling, chimneys are crackling, and fire pits are glowing. It’s the season for comfort, but also a time to be mindful of hidden hazards around the home. These simple safety reminders will help you protect what matters most while still enjoying everything the season brings. • Vent vigilance: Clear dryer vents so warmth stays where it belongs. • Ash awareness: Ashes hold heat for days — store them in a metal bin outdoors. • Leaf logic: One spark can ignite dry leaves. Clear your gutters and porches. • Decoration distance: Keep pumpkins, wreaths, and hay bales three feet…
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Safety Measures – Kitchen

Safety Measures – Kitchen

Fall weekends are perfect for cooking cozy meals at home, but did you know that cooking is the leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Agency? Here’s your 2-minute safety check: Make sure dish towels, paper towels, and oven mitts are kept away from the stove. Comment “Done” if you completed today’s safety check. Let’s see how many Gwinnett families are fire-ready this weekend. For more safety tips, visit: GwinnettSafety411.com
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Fire Programs – Escape Planning

Fire Programs – Escape Planning

Did you know that the average fire can double in size every 30 seconds? That’s why seconds matter when it comes to escape planning. During a fire, you may have less than two minutes to get out safely. Preparation makes all the difference, especially for kids. Here’s how to get started: -Practice two ways out of every room in your home (doors, windows, or alternate exits). -Choose a safe meeting place outside, like a mailbox, streetlight, or neighbor’s driveway, where everyone can gather. -Review your plan twice a year so it stays fresh in everyone’s mind. -Involve your children by…
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Fire Escape Plan – Family Safe Practices

Fire Escape Plan – Family Safe Practices

A Message from Fire Chief Fred Cephas Chief Cephas reminds us of the importance of fire safety in our homes and communities. One of the best ways to keep your family safe is to practice and develop a fire escape plan. Knowing your exits, having a meeting place, and practicing regularly could make all the difference in an emergency. Fire Escape Plan Checklist: • Identify 2 exits from every room. • Choose a safe family meeting spot outside. • Practice your plan at least twice a year. • Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1. • Keep hallways and…
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Flood Risks – Actions To Take Care

Flood Risks – Actions To Take Care

Did you know that floods are the most common disaster in the United States? Floods can rise slowly over days, often from prolonged rainfall. Flash floods happen rapidly, sometimes in minutes, due to intense storms or dam failures. They offer little to no warning, and you may only have seconds to escape, so act quickly! Here are some tips to help you and your family be prepared: Know your area's flood risk: Check FloodSmart.gov. Keep important policies, papers, and valuables in a safe-deposit box. Prepare a family disaster plan. Identify where you could go if told to evacuate. Get flood…
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Build Your Emergency Kit

Build Your Emergency Kit

Could you go 72 hours without power or running water? Now’s the time to build your emergency kit. Here’s what you need: Water (1 gallon per person per day) Food Flashlight and batteries First-aid kit Medications Copies of important documents Having supplies ready can make all the difference. Need help getting started? Check out GwinnettCounty.com/BePrepared or Ready.gov to learn more! #BeReadyGwinnett #EmergencyKit #NationalPreparednessMonth
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