Tips

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…

Holiday lights can brighten your home, but damaged or overloaded strands are a major winter fire risk.Take two minutes today to:• Check every strand for broken bulbs, frayed wires, or loose connections.• Make sure your lights stay cool to the touch after a few minutes on.• Avoid running cords under rugs or furniture.• Turn off or unplug all lights before bed or when leaving home.Let’s keep the season bright and safe.Like this post if you completed today’s safety check.For more safety tips, visit GwinnettSafety411.com

When seconds matter, your home address is one of the most important pieces of information you can give 911 dispatchers, but only if first responders can see it.Here’s what firefighters suggest every household should do:• Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street, day and night.• Use large, reflective numbers• Place them where they’re not blocked by décor or landscaping• Light them at night or use glow-in-the-dark numbers• Put numbers on both the house and the mailbox if possibleA visible address helps crews find you faster in an emergency when every second counts.

A lot of popular holiday gifts contain lithium-ion batteries. Phones, earbuds, scooters, toys, drones, power banks. They all charge the same way, and they all come with risks if stored or charged incorrectly.To keep your holiday safe: • Open the box first. Check for the correct charger and safety instructions.• Never charge new devices overnight.• Keep batteries away from blankets and wrapping paper.• Store gifts in a cool, dry place until they're opened.• Teach kids never to charge devices on beds or couches.A little awareness makes every gift safer.

Household chemicals can be hazardous if not stored or used properly. Take a few minutes this weekend to do a safety check: • Proper storage: Keep cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals in their original containers with labels intact. • Out of reach: Store all chemicals away from children and pets—high cabinets or locked closets work best. • Separate incompatible items: Never store bleach next to ammonia or other cleaners that could react dangerously. • Check expiration dates: Old or degraded chemicals can be more reactive or ineffective. • Use safely: Always follow instructions, wear gloves if needed, and ventilate the…