Protecting What Matters: A Podcast by the Ohio Department of Commerce

Celebrating Safely This Fourth: Ohio Fireworks Rules & Safety Tips from the State Fire Marshal

With America’s birthday around the corner, celebrating safely is more important than ever. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, we sit down with experts from the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office to discuss the dangers of illegal fireworks, legal use guidelines, key safety tips for a worry‑free celebration, and the legal discharge periods allowed by Ohio law. Learn how to keep your family and community safe while still enjoying the boom and sparkle. For more details please visit our website at com.ohio.gov/Fireworks [com.ohio.gov/Fireworks]

Cracking the Code: Navigating the Building and Fire Code in Ohio

May is Building Safety Month and the Ohio Department of Commerce is Cracking the Code and navigating the state’s building and fire codes. In this episode of Protecting What Matters hear from experts on how the building and fire codes where adopted and why they play a vital role in our mission of promoting prosperity by protecting what matters most!.

Safe & Secure: Supporting Older Americans

In this episode of Protecting What Matters explores how we can honor Older Americans Month by helping the older adults in our lives stay safe from financial fraud and maintain secure, healthy homes.

Spring Into Safety: Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Home Fire Safe

This episode of Protecting What Matters goes beyond dusting and organizing we’re uncovering how clutter and sometimes even hoarding can turn a simple fire into a life‑threatening emergency. You’ll learn what typical household clutter and debris can cause fire. And you’ll see why excessive storage makes fires burn faster and hotter, how blocked pathways put both residents and first responders in danger, and what Ohioans can do if they’re worried about a loved one’s home. Our guests break down the warning signs, share what firefighters see on the ground, and offer practical, compassionate steps to help prevent tragedy. Whether your spring cleaning list is long or short, this conversation will show you how small changes can protect your home, your family, and your community.

Investing in Ohio’s Future Through Financial Education

In this episode, we explore how education, history, and financial empowerment shape Ohio communities. We highlight a special initiative connected to America 250 Ohio [https://america250-ohio.org/], celebrating our nation’s—and Ohio’s—250 years of contributions and progress. Financial education plays a crucial role in the Department’s mission to protect and empower Ohioans. When youth and families understand how to manage money responsibly, communities grow stronger and more resilient. That’s why Commerce is partnering with Roscoe Village [https://roscoevillage.com/] for upcoming Homeschool Days this April, helping students and families build financial confidence for the future. For all of our financial resources visit: com.ohio.gov/consumers [https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/financial-institutions/consumers]