Tips

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…

Take two minutes to check this: • If you have a fire extinguisher, make sure you know where it is and it’s easy to reach• If you don’t have one, consider purchasing a fire extinguisher that has an ABC rating• Remember: extinguishers are for small, contained fires only• Use is simple: Pull pin, aim the nozzle at the fire, squeeze the handle, and sweep the agent across the fire.• If a fire grows, leave immediately and call 911 Preparation isn’t only about equipment; it’s about knowing what to do. Like this post if you completed today’s safety check.

Did you know most house fires don’t start big; they start small.A pan left on the stove. A candle too close to the edge. An outlet that sparks.If you notice something starting to burn:• Unplug the source if it’s safe to do so• Smother small cooking flames with a lid or baking soda• Use a fire extinguisher if you have one• Call 911 early, even if the fire seems smallQuick action can stop a fire before it spreads. To prevent kitchen fires, always stay in the kitchen while cooking, keep your area clear of flammable items, and know the proper procedure to extinguish…

Did you know that home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, deaths, and injuries in the United States? December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires. As we rely on our furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters to keep warm, it’s critical to prioritize safety. Follow these tips to keep your loved ones safe this winter:Keep children and pets a safe distance away from heat sources.Have heating equipment and chimneys professionally cleaned and inspected annually.Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the roomAshes should be cool before putting…

Ready in the cold: Crews deliver critical care through winter’s toughest conditions During these colder months, we’re seeing an increase in winter-related medical calls, including accidental falls, breathing difficulties, and cardiac emergencies. No matter the conditions, our teams continue to respond with skill, speed, and compassion. Here are essential steps to stay safe and to help us reach you faster: Clear your driveway and walkways: Make sure emergency crews have easy access to your home Keep your house number visible: Help us find your location quickly Use battery lighting: Have flashlights and batteries for outages For more winter safety tips,…

Every minute, somewhere in Gwinnett County, someone needs help — a medical emergency, a moment of crisis, or a call that can change a life forever. Behind every one of those moments is a system guided by medical expertise, continuous training, and preparation long before the first siren ever sounds. Serving a county as large, diverse, and fast-growing as Gwinnett requires more than fast response times. It requires constant medical guidance, evolving protocols, and training that keeps pace with a changing community. At Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services, that guidance is led by our medical directors, who help shape how…