Tips

A dry or crowded Christmas tree can become dangerous fast. Take two minutes today to complete this tree-specific safety check: • Water your real tree daily. Dry needles ignite in seconds.• Give your tree space. Keep it 3 feet away from heaters, fireplaces, and heat vents.• Check stability. Make sure the stand is tight, and the tree won’t tip over.• Keep exits and walkways clear. Gifts and décor shouldn’t block your path out.• Sweep fallen needles. They burn quickly and can pile up near heat sources. A safe tree is the heart of a safe holiday home. Like this post if you completed today’s…

WARNING: Lithium-Ion batteries are causing more fires in Gwinnett!Our firefighters are responding to more lithium-ion battery fires, and they’re dangerous for you and our crews. These batteries can ignite without warning and release toxic fumes when burning.Here’s how to stay safe:• Use only the charger that came with the device• Stop using any battery that looks swollen, damaged, or hot• Charge on a hard, flat surface — NOT beds or couches• Don’t charge overnight or when you’re away• Keep batteries away from direct heat and sunlight• If your device smokes, sparks, or hisses, GET OUT and call 911This post could…

The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate sustainably!Try these eco-friendly tips:• Pick gifts with recyclable or minimal packaging• Save and reuse gift bags and boxes• Recycle wrapping paper (skip metallic and laminated kinds)• Give greeting cards new life as gift tags or recycle them• Recycle your live tree at Bring One for the Chipper on January 24 at Bethesda Park

Holiday gatherings often mean extra medications in the home, and that can create risks for children, visitors, and pets. Take two minutes to: • Store medications up high and out of sight.• Check expiration dates and safely dispose of old meds.• Use original containers with labels.• Keep any medications brought by visiting family members stored safely and out of children’s reach. A simple check protects everyone in your home this season.Like this post if you completed today’s safety check. For more safety tips, visit GwinnettSafety411.com

Fire pit weather is here! Recreational fires are allowed without a permit, but you still must keep them safe. Requirements for fire pits and chimeneas:• Must be in a commercially available fire pit or fireplace• Only burn natural wood• Must stay 25 feet away from any structure• Never leave the fire unattended• Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearbyEnjoy responsibly. Keep your family and neighbors safe.

Be sure to remove the fats, oils, and grease, known as FOG, left on your dishes before washing them. When poured down the drain, FOG solidifies and creates blockages that can lead to plumbing problems and environmental hazards. Avoid costly repairs with these helpful tips to properly dispose of FOG: Let FOG on dishes cool Scrape solids into the trash Pour liquid FOG into a disposable container Visit UnclogTheFog.com to learn more

                Stay safe while you shop this holiday season! Here are some quick tips:• Stay alert to your surroundings• If you have children, rehearse what you will do in case you get separated• Carry only the credit cards and identification that you need• Do not place your purse in the shopping cart• Do not place your cell phone on the table while dining• Do not place your wallet on a counter when paying for items• Have your car keys ready in your hand before leaving the store      

With guests visiting for the holidays, now is a good time to remember that toilets are meant for toilet paper only.Flushing items like wipes, cotton balls, or paper towels can lead to clogs and messy backups. Keep a trash bin nearby so visitors know where to toss anything that's not toilet paper.For more information on what not to flush, visit Gwinnetth2o.com.

More home fires start in the kitchen than anywhere else, especially during the holidays.Unattended cooking is the number one cause of kitchen fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. If you need to step away, turn the burner off.Keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away from hot surfaces and stovetops. If a grease fire starts:• Do NOT use water. It will make the fire grow• Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid• Turn off the heat• Let it cool completely before moving it Never carry a burning pan outside; you could spread the fire.A few seconds of…

Every winter, our paramedics respond to slip-and-fall injuries on porches, driveways, stairs, and even inside homes crowded with holiday décor.A few quick steps can help prevent a serious injury:• Clear walkways of leaves, ice, and holiday clutter• Turn on outside lights early so steps and paths stay visible• Use railings when carrying bags, gifts, or groceries• Place non-slip mats at entryways where shoes track in water• Wear shoes with grip, even for quick trips outside• Keep floor space open from: decorations, cords, and gifts can become tripping hazardsAnd if you have older adults or visitors in your home, encourage them…