Forsyth County Urges Safety During Cold Winter Months

While temperatures this week will be trending on the "warm" side in Forsyth County, it's always a good time to practice these safety tips during the winter months.

• Have your chimney inspected by a certified chimney sweep to ensure your chimney is properly maintained and ready for use.

• Be sure to schedule a home heating system inspection every year by a certified technician.

• There should be working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home.

• It is highly recommended to never use fuel-fired gas heaters inside the home.

• Heating appliances and alternate heating devices, such as electric blankets and heaters, should always be turned off when not in use.

• A home oven, stove or barbecue grill should never be used to heat your home.

• Residents should maintain a home safety and survival kit, should the area experience extended ice storms.

• Burning candles should never be left unattended.

• Keep your vehicle well maintained to be sure it is dependable in colder weather. This is especially true with your vehicle’s batteries. Also, make sure to keep the gas tank as full as possible.

• When warming your vehicle in the mornings, be sure to pull it outside of the garage to avoid the buildup of gasses.

As of Sunday, Jan. 6, the U.S. Fire Administration reported two house fires across Georgia. In Stockbridge, a 25-year-old woman died in a house fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Also reported on Sunday, in Woodbine, a41-year-old man died in a house fire. The cause of that fire is believed to be a space heater.

In case of emergency, always call 911. For more information contact the Forsyth County Fire Prevention Bureau at 678-455-8072.