Ahead of Thanksgiving, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are providing tips to ensure a safe holiday. [Read more…] about Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Celebrations
Safety Tips
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis Warns of Holiday Fire Hazards, Offers 8 Safety Tips
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the number one day for home cooking fires. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis warned today of the fire hazards of frying a turkey and released the following eight safety tips to avoid a holiday disaster.
Safety Tips for Ringing in the New Year with Fireworks
Fireworks and campfires pose wildfire risks year-round, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service is providing tips for a safe New Year.
Individuals should check with local laws before using fireworks. Local fire and police departments and the state Fire Marshal’s Office can also provide guidance. People planning to use fireworks should follow these safety tips:
- Follow all county or city fireworks laws;
- Light fireworks on a cleared area free of any vegetation or debris;
- Remove any debris from roofs or decks where fireworks could land;
- Always have a water source available in case of a fire;
- Aim fireworks away from people, homes and wooded areas;
- Do not allow young children to light or handle fireworks;
- Never use homemade fireworks;
- Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water;
- Store unused fireworks and lighters out of the reach of children;
- Clean up all debris from fireworks; and
- Report any fires immediately to 911.
Since Jan. 1, 2017, 2,917 wildfires have burned more than 201,171 acres across Florida.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres.
For statewide wildfire updates and additional wildfire information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: 6 Fire Safety Tips for New Year’s Eve
Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis urges Floridians to celebrate safely during upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause an annual average of three deaths and cost $43 million in direct property damage.
“Since 2014, Florida firefighters have responded to more than 50 fireworks-related incidents accountingfor more than $1.5 million in property loss,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “It’s important to use precaution while celebrating on New Year’s Eve as fireworks can destroy property, cause serious burns and can pose a serious threat to the safety of our communitities. Leave the fireworks shows to the professionals so you can avoid becoming a part of these devastating statistics.”
Only approved sparklers and fireworks purchased for approved agricultural or industrial purposes are legal in Florida. Anyone who chooses to use fireworks or sparklers should follow these six safety tips.
- Only purchase sparklers from licensed vendors.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and water hose on hand, and a bucket of water available to fully extinquish used products.
- Never give fireworks to young children. Even sparklers can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees, at least 200 degrees hotter than a standard butane lighter.
- Light only one item at a time and never attempt to re-light.
- Keep pets indoors and away from all fireworks.
- Never mix fireworks and alcohol. Attend public fireworks show instead. Public displays are sponsored by communities and organizations across Florida.
Floridians should not sign waivers to purchase fireworks that are illegal for personal use in Florida. Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility if caught illegally using fireworks. Local law enforcement agencies are charged with the enforcement of Florida fireworks laws. To learn more about fireworks enforcement, click here.
For a complete list of Florida-approved sparklers your family can enjoy, click here.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis: Prevent a Holiday Fire with These Top Five Safety Tips
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is reminding Floridians to take steps to prevent a fire during the holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an annual average of 200 home structure fires start with a Christmas tree resulting in an average of six deaths, 16 injuries and nearly $15 million in damages. In addition, 58 percent of Christmas tree fires occur in January and February when a tree is often neglected and becomes dry.
“In the midst of our holiday traditions, we tend to forget the dangers that a dry and improperly placed Christmas tree can pose to the safety of our families and neighbors,” said CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis. “It only takes a matter of seconds for a dry Christmas tree and its surrounding furnishings to catch fire. Keep your trees watered, placed in a safe area and have them immediately removed from the home following your holiday festivities.”
Be sure to remember these top five fire safety tips to help prevent a Christmas tree fire from ruining your holiday:
1. Make sure your tree is healthy. Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
2. Keep the tree away from sources of heat within the home. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any fireplaces, radiators, candles or heat sources.
3. Keep your tree hydrated. After your tree is up, add water to the tree stand and be sure to add water daily.
4. Decorate the tree with the proper lighting. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and inspect your lights and accessories to make sure there aren’t any broken bulbs or damaged wiring.
5. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t exceed the recommended number of light strands that can be connected to one another and make sure you are using indoor and outdoor lights when appropriate.
Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Safety Tips for Thanksgiving Celebrations
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service are providing tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend.
The following tips can help prevent wildfire:
- Avoid burning yard debris on dry, windy days.
- Never leave a fire or outdoor heat source unattended.
- Set up turkey fryers and grills at least 10 feet away from the home and away from overhanging branches and natural areas.
- Clear an area around the heat source free of leaves, branches and other flammable debris or materials.
- Have an appropriate fire suppression tool on hand (for turkey fryers, keep a multipurpose, dry powder fire extinguisher ready in the event that the oil ignites).
- Keep children and pets away from fryers and grills.
- Never dump used charcoal briquettes into dry grass or debris; douse coals with water and dispose of them in a metal container or bare mineral soil.
“By taking a few simple precautions, Floridians and visitors can take a proactive role in their wildfire safety this Thanksgiving holiday,” said Jim Karels, Florida State Forester.
Since January, the Florida Forest Service and its partners have responded to approximately 2,779 wildfires that have burned more than 200,000 acres. Visit the Florida Forest Service’s wildfire information webpage to view an interactive map of current active wildfires, drought and fire danger forecast information, and a list of current county burn bans.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Provides Tips for Safe Fourth of July
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service encourage Floridians to use fireworks responsibly while celebrating this Fourth of July. Since January, 2,433 wildfires have burned approximately 195,157 acres throughout Florida.
“While recent rainfall has lowered wildfire risk across the state, the potential for wildfire is always heightened when fire and sparks are present outdoors,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s crucial for Floridians to exercise caution when enjoying fireworks, cookouts and campfires with friends and family this weekend.”
Individuals should always check local laws before using fireworks. Local fire and police departments and the State Fire Marshal’s Office can also provide guidance. Floridians celebrating with fireworks or campfires should follow these safety tips:
- Light fireworks in a cleared area free of vegetation or dry debris.
- Clear debris from around campfires, grills and all fire sources.
- Remove debris from any location where fireworks could land.
- Always have a water source available.
- Aim fireworks away from people, homes and wooded areas.
- Never use homemade fireworks.
- Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Store unused fireworks, matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
- Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is completely out before leaving it.
- Report any fires immediately to 9-1-1.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
