Georgia fire safety emphasis following Cornelia residential fire

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King has issued a call for residents of Georgia to prioritize fire safety measures in their homes. This announcement follows a residential fire in Cornelia and highlights the importance of fire prevention.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office, responding to a request from the Cornelia Fire Department on March 24, examined the scene of a house fire. The fire caused moderate damage to a bedroom, affecting the carpet, walls, and multiple children's toys. After the investigation, the fire was labeled incendiary and linked to a juvenile. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Commissioner King emphasized the significance of taking preventative measures at home, stating, “Fire safety begins at home. Taking a few moments to discuss fire prevention can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Check your smoke alarms, plan a fire escape route, and practice fire safety drills to keep you and your family safe.”

For households with children, educating them on the risks of fire is crucial. Items such as matches and lighters should be securely stored, preferably in locked cabinets, to prevent accidents.

The announcement included several key fire safety tips:

• Ensure functioning smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, especially inside bedrooms and sleeping areas. These should be tested monthly.

• Develop and rehearse a fire escape plan with two exits from every room. Designate a safe meeting point outside, at a safe distance from the residence.

• Conduct home fire drills twice annually, both during the day and night, aiming for a safe evacuation in under two minutes.

The mission of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire is to safeguard Georgia families by ensuring access to essential insurance products and promoting safe buildings, via fair regulation that promotes economic opportunities for all Georgians.