Happy New Year!

A good New Year's resolution in 2012 would be to take some simple steps now to minimize the impact a natural disaster or emergency could have on your family, home or business.

The Johns Creek Fire Department supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency's annual Resolve to be Ready campaign and encourages everyone in our community to take advantage of FEMA's free emergency preparation information.

For example, their winter safety tips may come in handy right around the corner. But making a pledge to be as ready as possible - year-round - for any kind of disaster or emergency is the smartest thing to do and includes putting together emergency kits, emergency plans and staying informed.

So, make 2012 the year you get prepared.

Smoke detectors are a vital part of your family's safety. Do you know where your smoke detectors are located in your home? When was the last time you checked to make sure the smoke detectors work properly?

Unfortunately, many people cannot answer these questions. That's why the Johns Creek Fire Department is holding a "Smoke Detector Blitz."

Upon request, firefighters will visit your home and look for obvious fire hazards. Firefighters can provide a "Home Safety Checklist."

Call the Johns Creek Fire Marshall's Office at 678-474-1641 to schedule a visit. Even if you do not wish to participate in this program, please use this as a reminder to check your smoke detectors and practice your escape plan.

Don't forget to set your clocks forward Sunday, March 11 when Daylight Savings Time changes. When you re‑set your clock, be sure to check your smoke alarm battery at the same time, as many need replacing about every six months. It's also a good time to check your carbon monoxide detector batteries.

In conjunction with American Heart Month, Johns Creek's "Super CPR Saturday" returns Feb. 18 with free lifesaving classes for residents and business owners in how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of an automated external defibrillator.

The classes, part of the city's Heart Ready program, will be taught by Johns Creek Firefighters/paramedics at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. at the Newtown Community Clubhouse (adjacent to Newtown Park), 3115 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022.

The non-certification classes (based on American Heart Association's "Family & Friends") are most appropriate for ages 10 and older. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 678-512-3221.

Fire Chief Jeff Hogan announced the promotions of (from left) Battalion Chief Cam Huynh, Sergeant Robert "Bob" Scott, Jr., Captain L. Wayne Pruitt, Jr., and Lieutenant Doug Stephenson (not pictured).

"These firefighters have proven their leadership abilities, their knowledge and skills, and their willingness to accept the challenges and obligations that come with their new responsibilities," said Fire Chief Jeff Hogan. "We are very proud of them and wish them well as they continue to serve the Johns Creek community." Read more.

Each winter, an estimated 108,400 home fires occur in the United States, resulting in approximately 945 deaths and $1.7 billion in property loss.*

Winter storms can cause people to turn to alternative heating sources, such as space heaters, which account for about one third of home heating fires and approximately 80 percent of home heating fire deaths. Take heating safety precautions to prepare your family and home in case of fire.

The JCFD joins the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in reminding individuals and communities that fire safety awareness and efforts are especially important in the winter months. Be smart, and do your part to help "Put a Freeze on Winter Fires" this winter.

Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy roads, and downed trees and power lines can all accompany winter storms.

Communication lines can be cut off, and access to emergency and medical services may be severely limited once extreme weather hits a region.

It's important to know what to do before, during, and after a winter storm, so plan ahead with a few winter storm safety tips.