**CONSUMER ALERT**

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Provides Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is encouraging Floridians to incorporate the following safety tips when frying a turkey this Thanksgiving. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. Additionally, the NFPA recommends you test your smoke alarm at least once a month and replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Thanksgiving is an amazing time of year and a great opportunity to relax and spend much needed time with friends and family. The last thing anyone wants is a botched turkey fry or kitchen fire to ruin this special time. Fryer and kitchen fires are extremely hazardous, and I encourage everyone to be on guard while cooking and entertaining this time of year. Stay alert, keep the kids away from the hot ovens and stove tops, and make sure your fire alarms and fire extinguishers are up to date and functioning properly. To ensure you and your families safety, please follow these critical fire safety tips and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.”

Important Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips:

1. Caution is key when frying a turkey. Set up the turkey fryer far away from your home and ensure sure the ground is level.

   2. The bird must be completely thawed before putting it into the fryer. Hot oil combining with ice or water is a significant fire hazard.

   3. Never overfill a fryer. Oil can pour out of the pot and quickly start a fire.

   4. Keep children away while cooking. Hot surfaces, such as a stove, can cause serious injury. Additionally, steam and splashes can also be dangerous if hot food or liquid is spilled.

1. Always have a fire extinguisher. Having a Class K (kitchen type) or grease-rated extinguisher can prevent an accident from turning into a tragedy.

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   About CFO Jimmy Patronis 
   Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter