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NASHVILLE – Decorations can help turn every Scrooge into a Santa, but care must be taken to ensure that a home’s décor is fire safe. To decrease the risk of a home fire, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) reminds consumers that popular holiday decorations, like candles and string lights, can cause tragedy when not used properly.

NASHVILLE – For scammers, the season of holiday giving is the season of taking, and Tennesseans’ hard-earned money again tops scammers’ wish lists. Unfortunately, Tennessee consumers are falling for scammers’ ploys when it comes to gift card swindles in increasing numbers. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s Consumer Sentinel Network reports Tennesseans lost nearly $1 million – over $943,000 – through prepaid gift card scams in 2018, which is a 44 % increase compared to 2017 when scammers stole $653,709 from consumers.

NASHVILLE – Opinions may differ on when to start decorating for the holidays, but one thing is certain: Practicing fire safety during the holidays can drastically reduce the likelihood of a home fire. To raise awareness of fire-safe behaviors this holiday season, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is asking Tennesseans to “Be a Good Elf” when it comes to selecting, decorating, and maintaining Christmas trees.

– Scooter sharing services, like Bird and Lime, are a growing alternative transportation means in some urban areas of the United States. These battery-powered scooters, which can currently be found in Nashville and Memphis, can reach speeds of up to 20 mph and are generally operated on roadways. While the scooters are easy to operate and readily available, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is urging consumers to always consider the insurance implications of operating a scooter before using one.

NASHVILLE – The option to “try before your buy” when looking for a product or service can be enticing, but the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Consumer Affairs Division is advising consumers to approach free trial offers with caution.

NASHVILLE – To commemorate the 100th smoke alarm canvass through the lifesaving “Get Alarmed, Tennessee!” program, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) will coordinate volunteers from four agencies who will attempt to install 1,000 free smoke alarms in a day’s time in Middle Tennessee communities on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018.

NASHVILLE – Medical oxygen is a necessity for those suffering from respiratory illnesses, but, tragically, medical oxygen has been present in several home fires that resulted in the deaths of Tennesseans in 2018.

NASHVILLE – As families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving Day feasts this Thursday, November 22, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds Tennesseans the recipe for holiday fire safety always includes add good cooking safety habits.

NASHVILLE – With the holiday shopping season underway, many Tennesseans are gearing up to score discount deals on Black Friday (11/23) and Cyber Monday (11/26). Whether giving or receiving gifts, it's always important to be aware of a store’s return policy to prevent hassles and headaches at the cash register.

NASHVILLE – In recognition of International Fraud Awareness Week, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Securities Division is raising awareness of the risks associated with investing in promissory notes.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Regulatory Boards has released its latest Disciplinary Action Report, which compiles the actions taken by its boards and commissions during the month of October.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs is partnering with Lipscomb Academy to offer free document shredding at Lipscomb’s annual recycling event. The event, which is held to celebrate America Recycles Day, offers consumers the opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded items not accepted by standard recycling drop sites.

NASHVILLE – As wildfires claim lives and destroy properties in northern and southern California, the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) extends its sympathies to the victims of the disasters and reminds Tennessee residents to always follow safety precautions during outdoor burns.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam today joined Tennessee Department of Veterans Services Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder and Major General Terry “Max” Haston from the Tennessee Military Department to recognize five veteran state employees and more than 470,000 Tennessee veterans of all ages and eras. The Governor’s Veterans Day event was held on the second floor of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville.