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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis shared an important fire safety message to encourage Floridians to take precautions and protect against potential fire-related accidents this Halloween. According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), decorations catch fire first in approximately 800 reported home fires each year, and more than one-third of these fires are started by candles.

CFO & State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Halloween is just around the corner. That means it’s time for fun and festivities for the entire family, but please don’t let this time be ruined by a fire-related accident. You can follow these tips to make sure this Halloween is a safe one. I encourage everyone to consider alternatives to open flames. You can use battery-operated candles and glowsticks inside your jack-o-lanterns and still get the same effect. Also, make sure that the costumes you are buying are safe and that they are indeed fire-resistant. Finally, please make sure that your smoke alarms are tested and working. Halloween is a great time for families and kids to have fun; let’s not let a fire ruin that this year. Stay safe, and have a happy Halloween!”

Halloween Fire Safety Tips from the NFPA:

• Consider alternatives to open flames. In order to help decrease the risk of fire, use battery-operated candles or glow sticks inside your jack-o-lanterns.
  

• Buy safe costumes. When purchasing costumes, wigs, and accessories, make sure they are fire-resistant. Educate children on the importance of staying away from open flames when dressed up and avoid costumes with long, trailing fabric.
  

• Ensure working smoke alarms. Before any Halloween event, check every smoke alarm and fire extinguisher to ensure they are in working order.
  

• Don’t let decorations ruin the day. Items like dried flowers, cornstalks, and candy packaging can catch fire in an instant. Keep all decorations and candy wrappers away from open flames and other heat sources like heaters and light bulbs, and be sure exits are clear of decorations in case of emergency.
  

Click HERE for more safety tips.

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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 (@FLDFS).