Tips

See flashing lights? Hear sirens?Move to the right and give emergency vehicles space.Slow down. Stay alert. Don’t block intersections.Your quick action helps first responders reach people who need help. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle with its lights or sirens activated, the primary objective is to clear a safe path immediately. Emergency vehicles always have the right-of-way in these situations.  (1) When an Emergency Vehicle is Approaching : Stay Calm and Alert: Reduce distractions by turning down music and avoiding phone use. Keep an eye on your mirrors to track the vehicle's speed and direction.Pull to the Right: Use your turn signal and move…

🚶‍️ Shorter days and darker evenings can increase the risk of incidents involving pedestrians.Firefighters and medical crews remind residents:•Wear bright or reflective clothing•Use sidewalks and crosswalks when available•Make eye contact with drivers before crossing•Avoid distractions like phones when near trafficVisibility and awareness can prevent serious injuries. Be seen. Be safe. A few more tips : As days shorten and nights grow longer, decreased visibility significantly increases risks for pedestrians. Approximately 76% of pedestrian fatalities occur in dark conditions. Following these safety protocols can help you remain visible and secure during low-light commutes or evening walks.  1. Maximize Your Visibility :  Wear Reflective Gear: Use clothing…

It’s Valentine’s Day! Date night, friends’ night, or solo night, safety is always in style. Cooking dinner? Don’t leave the stove unattended. Setting the mood? Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable. Heading out? Buckle up and plan a safe ride home. When seconds matter most, being prepared makes the difference. Take two minutes to make sure you've incorporated these tips into your Valentine’s Day plan. Like this post if you’re celebrating YOU today.

Show our water resources some love this season! Small, simple actions like only doing full loads of laundry, shortening showers, and watering plants wisely can make a big difference in conserving water and protecting the source of our drinking water, Lake Lanier. Make a difference where you live. Learn more at GwinnettCounty.com/GetEducated.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas, and it can be deadly.Many carbon monoxide emergencies happen because everyday household appliances aren’t working properly or being used safely.Common sources of carbon monoxide include: Gas furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters Vehicles running in garages (even with the door open) Gas powered water heaters Generators and grills used indoors or too close to windows When fuel doesn’t burn completely, carbon monoxide can build up inside your home without warning. Firefighters recommend: • Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home• Test alarms monthly• Only use grills or generators outdoors• Have fuel-burning appliances inspected…

In just a few seconds, you can recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and know when to call for help.  Watch for:• Chest pressure or pain• Shortness of breath• Arm, jaw, neck, or back pain• Dizziness, nausea, or cold sweatsWhen seconds matter most, fast action makes the difference. Take two minutes to learn more about heart attack warning signs today. Like this post if you completed today’s safety check. Common heart attack warning signs, according to the American Heart Association and CDC, include:  Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes,…

When a fire happens, remember this life-saving rule: Get out. Stay out. Call 911. Once you escape a burning building, do not go back inside for anything, not belongings, not pets, not valuables. Fires spread fast, conditions change quickly, and re-entering can be deadly. Your life is always more important than anything inside the home.  Get out. Stay out. Let firefighters handle the rest. For more information on how to safely escape home fires, download our Residential Safety Guide: GwinnettCounty.com/SafetyGuide

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, and most of them start when food is left unattended. Firefighters remind residents: Stay in the kitchen while cooking Turn pot handles inward Keep flammable items away from the stove Keep children and pets away from cooking areas A few seconds of attention can prevent a lifetime of damage. Stay alert. Stay safe.

Candles can create a cozy atmosphere, but they are also a common cause of home fires.Firefighters recommend:• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable• Never leave candles unattended• Blow them out before leaving the room or going to sleep Want more simple ways to reduce fire risks at home? Download our Residential Fire Safety Plan today: GwinnettCounty.com/SafetyGuide Follow these essential safety tips to enjoy your candles responsibly: (1) Before You Light:Trim the Wick: Always trim wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting. This prevents high flames, excessive smoke, and soot buildup.Check the Surface: Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Avoid plastic or wood that…

Each tax filing season, scammers pose as IRS agents to trick residents into sharing personal information. By sharing this information, your life savings could be compromised. Avoid tax scams with these helpful tips:Choose tax preparers with caution and research before handing over your informationWatch for unsolicited emails, texts, and fake websites that might prompt you to click a link or share personal informationBe on alert for phone scams; IRS representatives will never demand payments over the phone or leave threatening messagesIf you suspect fraudulent tax activity, report it to the IRS. You can also report fraud or scams to the…