Minor Labor Laws are in place to protect Ohio teens who enter the workforce from hazardous occupations and to ensure they have restricted hours, appropriate breaks, and wage agreements. Outreach Educator Steve Clegg shares the step-by-step process for teens looking to obtain a work permit and the many other roles the Bureau of Wage & Hour plays in the Ohio workforce. To learn more, visit: https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/wage-and-hour

If you plan to visit your loved one in an Ohio cemetery, we're sharing everything you need to know if you are concerned about the maintenance and upkeep. The Cemetery Section of our Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing works with the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission to regulate cemeteries and resolve disputes between cemeteries and families. If you have a concern and are unable to resolve the issue with the cemetery operator, you can file a complaint for us to...

The burn ban is in place to protect Ohioans property, environment and even their lives - Remember, outdoor fires can quickly turn dangerous if not properly managed. So, whether you're roasting marshmallows or flipping burgers, make sure to keep safety in mind. You can learn more at the Fire Prevention section of our website at  com.ohio.gov/FireSafety  or visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov for more information on ODNR’s Division of Forestry

Ohio Liquor strives to be a trusted and accurate source of information about alcohol safety and responsibility. While April may be designated as Alcohol Awareness Month, for OHLQ, alcohol awareness is a year-round campaign. Tune in as OHLQ Brand & Marketing Strategy Manager Kristen Castle and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Brian Hoyt share information and resources for consumers, parents, and party hosts. For more information, visit  https://www.ohlq.com/ohlq-cares/ohlq-cares.

Learn how liquor laws are enforced in Ohio and the state agencies that work with bars, restaurants, and other liquor permit holders to keep environments and products safe for all those who choose to enjoy beverages that contain alcohol.

We’re sharing key factors and resources that can help or hurt your credit score for National Credit Education Month. Learn the difference between a credit report and credit score, how long an issue can stay on your report, how to save money with your score, and how a joint account can impact your score- plus a lot more!

20-40% of all preventable fire deaths are related to smoking. Specifically, smoking while on oxygen, smoking while tired or medicated, and discarding cigarettes in an unapproved container. The division of State Fire Marshal is alarmed at the number of preventable fire fatalities across Ohio. We must work together to bring these tragic numbers down.

The Division of Unclaimed Funds wants to reunite Ohioans with their forgotten money and is making a special push for that in February. The Division is safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed money and property in Ohio. Some of it may belong to you or your loved ones. February 1st in National Unclaimed Funds Day. In this episode of Protecting what Matters, Outreach Program Manager Susie Wagner explains what you could find if you come and claim your money. For more information, visit:...

Looking to buy a new home in 2023? Want to know how the homebuying process works? In this episode of Protecting What Matters we're helping you every step of the way as you buy a home- including how to select a real estate agent, lender, and more. For more information visit com.ohio.gov/real

It's a new year! Did you make a resolution that had to do with money? Many people did, and in this episode of Protecting What Matters we're helping you review your spending and investing habits and create a better plan for 2023. From the performance of your 401(k) and turning it around in the new year to knowing how to review what you spent last year and creating a better budget amid inflation, we have advice you can't afford to miss with our experts! For more details visit:...

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal distributes millions of dollars in grant funding each year to fire departments across the state. This support leads to better equipment, apparatus and technology to better protect Ohio’s communities. Learn more about the grant and loan programs on our website at com.ohio.gov/grants.

You’ve probably not put a lot of thought into how you’re protected when you buy bedding, upholstered furniture and stuffed toys- but Commerce is critical in keeping you in-the-know and safe within this massive industry. In this episode we’re tackling all the items in your house that are… stuffed! Including those presents you’re about to give during the holidays! Are you concerned materials inside a product you purchased? If so, email [email protected] to file a complaint.

'Tis the season for holiday shopping and, unfortunately, scams. With a longer shopping season, and an increase in budget-focused consumers, scammers are working overtime. In this episode of Protecting What Matters, our Division of Financial Institutions' shares ways to protect yourself from potential financial fraud. See additional financial literacy resources at the Division's Office of Consumer Affairs webpage: https://bit.ly/OCAResources

With Fall arriving that means three big holidays are just around the corner – Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas – and with them comes some associated fire risks. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal provides prevention resources to keep families safe this time of year. You’ll find best practices in this latest episode and additional fire prevention resources at the State Fire Marshal’s website: com.ohio.gov/fire

OHLQ brings you the people and passion behind some of your favorite spirits – from a fourth-generation Ohio farmer to award-winning distilleries. The Seed to Sip series reminds us that found in every glass of your favorite spirit is a story of agriculture, art, and science.  https://bit.ly/3UY9qg7

For many students, going away to college gives them the freedom to make their own choices, but when it comes to living in on and off-campus housing, it’s important for students and their parents to keep safety top of mind. During this Campus Safety Month, Ohio’s Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal provides prevention resources to keep students safe. See additional fire prevention resources at the State Fire Marshal’s website: com.ohio.gov/fire

September is National Realtor Safety Month. We’re sharing important information on how to sell your home with safety in mind. We provide some practices to our licensed salespersons in an effort to keep everyone safe in the home buying/selling process. For more information please, visit our website www.com.ohio.gov/real .

Our new campaign, Recovery Within Reach helps educate both consumers and financial advisers about the costs involved with opioid treatment. We want to get Ohio families into treatment and help them navigate the financial aspects of that process by working with a licensed financial adviser. Some people are digging themselves into financial holes paying for treatment and other costs related to addiction, and are unaware of the available resources. Others don't know where to go or how they will...

Learn about the Ohio Task Force on Volunteer Fire Service from State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon and Superintendent Jack Smith from the Ohio Fire Academy. Ohio has 1180 fire departments. Approximately 70% of the fire of those departments are staffed by volunteers.

The Division of Unclaimed Funds wants to reunite Ohioans with their forgotten money. The Division is safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed money and property in Ohio. Some of it may belong to you. In this episode of Protecting what Matters, Outreach Program Manager Susie Wagner explains how you can get ahold of your missing money and walks you through the easy process of claiming it. For more information, visit: unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov

In this episode of Protecting What Matters, you’ll learn how OHLQ’s work is creating energy and conversation around the social responsibility movement. While our agency plays a role in the sales of liquor in the state of Ohio, our license to operate is through important conversations, resources, and even mocktail recipes that we share with consumers. Learn how to access all of those items through this segment.

How do you know you’re getting a fair appraisal on that new property you’d like to buy or sell?  Appraisers have certain standards they must meet for you (by law) when determining a property's true value.  This episode will help educate homebuyers and sellers about the appraisal process and when you might need to file a complaint. It also includes bonus content for real estate agents and appraisers themselves.

With every investment, do not risk more than you are willing to lose. We are talking digital assets, cryptocurrency, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT's) with our Division of Securities attorney expert, John Crist to help educate those investors who may not be seeking professional advice and following online influencers, celebrity advertising, etc.

Would you know what to do if an older member of your family was being scammed? What options do you have once money’s been taken out of their account? In this episode, we’re sharing the signs you should look for if you take care of anyone age 60 or above and tips on how to best report fraud if it’s happening in your family. The Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission, along with our Division of Securities, shares important insight in this episode that you’ll want to discuss with your...

You pick up your smartphone or turn on your computer on a regular basis to pay for items or get paid yourself- but are you making the smartest decisions when you take advantage of these peer-to-peer payment applications? In this episode of Protecting What Matters, our Division of Financial Institutions’ share ways to protect yourself from a potential financial scam when using apps like Cash App, PayPal, or Venmo.