Tips

National Safe at Home Week is the perfect time to take a closer look at your household’s fire safety readiness. Fires can happen unexpectedly, but planning ahead greatly improves your family’s chances of staying safe. This week, we encourage all Gwinnett County residents to walk through a quick home fire safety checklist: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly. Review and practice your home escape plan with everyone in the household—identify two ways out of each room and choose a safe meeting spot outside. Check your fire extinguishers for accessibility, expiration, and proper placement (especially…

School is back in session this week and it's important to exercise caution when passing through school zones. Here are some tips: • Be mindful of school zone signage and reduce your speed when traveling in these areas • Prepare to slow down and come to a complete stop when the school bus has yellow lights flashing. Stay at least 20 feet behind the bus while children are getting on and off. Remain stopped until the red lights are done flashing, the stop-arm closes, and the bus begins moving again. • When walking in school zones, always use the sidewalk.…

Hurricane season is upon us, and we want you to be prepared before severe weather strikes. Let’s talk about power outages. They’re unexpected and can cause major disruption to everyday life. Take a moment to consider your plans. Here are a few tips to protect yourself and your loved ones: -Take inventory of items you need that rely on electricity. -Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs such as a portable charger, power bank, and generator. -Have flashlights for every household member. -Know your medical needs. Talk to your medical provider about a power outage…

When an emergency vehicle like an ambulance, fire truck, or police vehicle approaches, do you know the safest way to react? Whether you’re on a highway or in traffic, we know scenarios are different. Understanding the basics helps keep our roads safer for everyone, especially as we respond to emergencies. Tips to follow when an ambulance is on the Road : Stay Calm: Don't panic. Being calm will help you make clear decisions.  Pull to the Right: If you are on a multi-lane road, move to the right lane and stop. If you are in the left lane, merge into the right lane if…

With the start of the school year around the corner, it's the perfect time to refresh your safety habits. Whether your child is walking, biking, driving, or riding the bus to school, a few simple precautions can make all the difference: Practice walking to school with your kids Teach kids to always use crosswalks Ensure bicycles are properly maintained Stay alert and avoid distractions when driving By following traffic rules by making safety a priority, we can ensure a smooth and secure start to the school year. Learn more safety tips at GwinnettSafety411.com

Beat the heat this summer with the following summer safety tips: Stay hydrated – Drink eight or more glasses of water per day to stay healthy and hydrated. Wear light and loose-fitting clothes – Wear breathable clothing like cotton and light colors that reflect sunlight. Stay cool – Stay in the A/C or indoors when temperatures are extreme. If you are outside, be sure to find shaded areas to cool down. To learn more summer heat safety tips, visit GwinnettSafety411.com.

Our pets are family, and their safety matters! Remember to include them in your fire safety plans. Did you know pets can even cause fires? Here are key tips to keep your furry friends and home safe: - Extinguish Open Flames: Curious pets can easily knock over candles. - Remove or cover Stove Knobs: Prevent accidental burner activation. - Go Flameless: Choose flameless candles. - Swap out Glass Water Bowls: Outside on decks, they can start fires. Use metal or plastic instead. -Secure Young Pets: Crate or proof a room to prevent hazards. Let's keep our pets safe!

Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher! The best place to keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is: Near the exit — not too close to the stove or cooking area. This ensures you can access it quickly in an emergency without having to reach through flames or a hot zone. Ideally, mount it on a wall 4–5 feet off the ground, within easy reach. Also: Make sure it’s clearly visible and unobstructed Check the pressure gauge monthly Keep it up-to-date and know how to use it (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

Don't let carbon monoxide catch you off guard! This colorless, odorless gas can be deadly. It comes from fuel-burning appliances and vehicle exhaust, often from improperly installed or maintained heating systems. Symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness are often mistaken for the flu. If you feel these, get to fresh air and seek medical help immediately. Always call 911 to report a CO leak or exposure! Protect your home: - Get heating appliances checked annually by a professional. - Install CO detectors on every level, especially near bedrooms. Know the sound! - NEVER use generators, grills, or camping equipment indoors.…

Summer is here, bringing sunshine, high temperatures, and the need to stay alert about heat-related risks. To help you and your loved ones stay safe, keep these heat safety tips in mind: Stay hydrated Wear light, loose clothing Avoid peak heat; use A/C spaces Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses Never leave kids or pets in cars Check on elderly and young children Protect pets with water, shade, and cool surfaces Know the signs of heat exhaustion and stroke — watch the video to learn more.