Tennessee Consumer Affairs Do’s & Don’ts in Wake of Equifax Data Breach
September 25, 2017
Nashville, TN – With over 3 million Tennesseans’ sensitive information exposed in a data breach at the credit reporting firm Equifax, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs Division wants to help vulnerable consumers plan a course of action to protect themselves from scammers aiming to mine their data through bogus websites and phishing calls.
According to Equifax, the breach lasted from mid-May through July and exposed the data of over 143 million Americans.
Tennessee State Fire Marshal Warns of Fire Risks Associated with Smoking Materials
October 1, 2016
Nashville, TN – With state fire statistics consistently indicating smoking as a major of cause of fire loss, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds Tennesseans that care must be taken with cigarettes.
Fires caused by smoking materials have had a devastating impact on the Volunteer State. The Tennessee Fire Incident Reporting System shows that during 2011-2015, Tennessee fire departments responded to 3,916 smoking-material fires.
Wherever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays. If ashtrays are not available, use a metal can or pail.
Tennessee Fire Marshal says Keep Matches & Lighters Away from Children
August 7, 2016
Nashville, TN – Young firesetters cause hundreds of deaths and injuries each year according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Preschoolers and kindergartners are most likely to start these fires, typically by playing with matches and lighters, and are most likely to die in them.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office warns Tennesseans of the risk associated with children and fire-starting items, especially novelty lighters.
Novelty lighters resembling children’s toys can attract curious kids who may see these items as fun, but may not recognize them as potential fire hazards. While Tennessee banned the sale of novelty lighters in 2008, these products still represent a potential threat to lives and property.
Keep Matches & Lighters Away from Children
Tennessee State Fire Marshal says Use Care in Selecting Off-Campus Housing
July 10, 2016
Nashville, TN – As the summer season winds down, college students begin preparations for the fall semester. While some will be first-time students moving into residence halls, many will be moving off-campus and living on their own for the first time.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) urges students and their parents to choose fire-safe off-campus housing and discuss fire safety practices in order to prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
From January 2000 to May 2015, there were 85 fatal fires in U.S. dormitories, fraternities, sororities and off-campus housing, resulting in 118 fatalities.
Check for Fire Protection Features Before Signing a Lease, Moving In
State Fire Marshal Offers Home Fire Safety Tips for Pet Owners
April 28, 2016
Nashville, TN – For many Tennesseans, pets provide comfort, friendship, and unconditional love. Unfortunately, a pet can not only be the victim of a home fire, but the unintentional cause of it as well. The State Fire Marshal’s Office wants to educate pet owners on important precautions to keep pets, people, and property safe from fire.
“We remind Tennesseans that fire safety is a key component of responsible pet ownership,” said State Fire Marshal and Commerce & Insurance Commissioner Julie Mix McPeak. “Simple preventative measures can and should be implemented to protect pets from the devastating effects of fire.”
