**Fire Safety Alert** CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Beware of Fire Hazards of TikTok ‘Penny Challenge’
1/30/2020
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis alerts firefighters and Floridians of a dangerous game on the popular social media app TikTok dubbed, the ‘Penny’ or ‘Outlet’ Challenge. Recent reports say that the game consists of TikTok users filming themselves dropping coins into mobile phone chargers while plugged into an electrical outlet, causing serious electrical fires and burns. Floridians should also be aware of this new viral challenge.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “While social media apps like TikTok are growing in popularity, these viral challenges can lead to fires and serious injury. Every fire department and Floridian should be aware of this dangerous challenge and help spread the word about the dangers involved with playing with electrical outlets. Don’t let a social media game turn into a tragedy.”
3 Electrical Fire Safety Tips
1. Take caution around electrical outlets. Be careful with electric cords and outlets. Objects placed in a receptacle can cause a shock, burns or electrocution. Never put more than one plug in each receptacle.
2. Plug appliances into outlets directly. Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
3. Consult with an electrician for electrical repairs. Call a qualified electrician if you have frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance, discolored or warm wall outlets, or a burning or rubbery smell coming from appliances.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “While social media apps like TikTok are growing in popularity, these viral challenges can lead to fires and serious injury. Every fire department and Floridian should be aware of this dangerous challenge and help spread the word about the dangers involved with playing with electrical outlets. Don’t let a social media game turn into a tragedy.”
3 Electrical Fire Safety Tips
1. Take caution around electrical outlets. Be careful with electric cords and outlets. Objects placed in a receptacle can cause a shock, burns or electrocution. Never put more than one plug in each receptacle.
2. Plug appliances into outlets directly. Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
3. Consult with an electrician for electrical repairs. Call a qualified electrician if you have frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance, discolored or warm wall outlets, or a burning or rubbery smell coming from appliances.