Tips

Protect your home from frozen pipes. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst and lead to costly damage. • Let faucets drip during extreme cold• Open cabinets under sinks to allow warm air to circulate• Locate your home’s water shut-off valve now• Shut off water immediately if a pipe bursts For more winter safety tips, visit GwinnettSafety411.com.

The US National Weather Service Peachtree City Georgia is forecasting winter weather for our area this weekend, beginning as early as Saturday morning. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll continue sharing updates as we receive them. Take steps now to prepare: • Keep flashlights and batteries on hand • Use generators safely outdoors and away from doors and windows • Stock up on food, water, and pet essentials • Charge devices and backup power sources • Plan to avoid unnecessary travel

Many toys, electronics, and rechargeable devices received during the holidays are powered by lithium-ion batteries, including tablets, gaming devices, scooters, e-bikes, and cordless tools. Lithium batteries are safe when used properly, but if they’re damaged, overcharged, or overheated, they can spark, smoke, or catch fire quickly. If a lithium battery starts to spark, smoke, or feel unusually hot: • Move away and keep others back • Do not touch it or put water on it • If it’s safe, unplug the device • Call 911 if there’s fire, heavy smoke, or danger Knowing what’s inside the devices in your home…

What paramedics and EMTs want you to know: You don’t have to know what’s wrong; you just need to call early. Many medical emergencies don’t look dramatic at first.Shortness of breath. A sudden fall. Confusion that feels “off.”Waiting can make treatment harder. When you call 911: • Stay on the line and follow instructions• Share what you’re seeing, even if it feels minor• Don’t worry about using the “right” medical words Early calls help EMS begin care sooner, and that can change outcomes.

With freezing temperatures continuing through the weekend, we urge you to take these steps to help protect your family, pets, home, and plants if you haven’t done so already: • Check on your loved ones and neighbors to ensure they have warm clothing, adequate food and water, and necessary medications.• Bring pets indoors. Provide them with warm bedding, food, and water. Never leave pets in vehicles during cold weather.• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold. Know where your main water shutoff valve is in case a pipe bursts.• Bring potted plants indoors or protect them with blankets.• Test heating systems,…

When seconds matter, the information you share can help paramedics respond faster and provide the right care. If you need to call 911, remember to: • Share the exact address or nearby landmarks.• Stay on the line and respond clearly to the dispatcher.• Follow instructions until help arrives.• Share symptoms, medications, allergies, or known conditions. Clear communication during an emergency helps first responders provide the best possible care.

Not all cords are created equal, and using the wrong one can increase your fire risk.  Here’s what firefighters want you to know: • Power strips are designed for electronics and short-term use• Extension cords are temporary, not a permanent solution• Never run cords under rugs, furniture, or doorways• If you need more outlets, it may be time to add one, not add another cord These small choices help prevent overheating, electrical fires, and emergencies before they start.

What firefighters want you to know: Some of the most serious fires start with items people don’t think twice about throwing away: • Hot ashes• Smoking materials• Greasy paper towels• Lithium batteries If it was recently hot, smoking, or powered by a battery, don’t toss it until it’s fully cooled and disposed of properly. What seems harmless in the trash can ignite hours later.

According to the US National Weather Service Peachtree City Georgia, a strong cold front will move through starting Sunday, January 11 and bring widespread freezing temperatures to our area through Tuesday. Temperatures are projected to drop low enough to threaten unprotected or non-winterized plumbing, so now’s the time to get ready!Here are a few tips to help you prepare: • Make sure outdoor plumbing is winterized by Sunday to prevent burst pipes.• Check on vulnerable neighbors such as older adults who live alone.• Bring pets indoors and limit their time outside.• Bring in cold-sensitive plants or cover them. Warming stations across the county…