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News You Can Use

January 18, 2008

Know Your Smoke Alarm

January is the peak month for home structure fires and home fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  The Association reports that 381,000 home structure fires were responsible for 13,300 civilian injuries, 3,030 civilian deaths, and direct damages amounting to $6.7 billion in 2005.

Seventy-four percent of reported home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.  With less than three minutes to escape a home structure fire, the NFPA is recommending the installation of a smoke detector on each level and in each room, especially bedrooms.  Recent recommendations include replacing home smoke detectors every decade.

Two types of smoke detectors are in operation – ionization and photoelectric.  Tests reveal ionization smoke detectors, the most purchased and cheapest models are the slowest to respond.  NFPA recommends installing both types; ionization responds more quickly to flames, while photoelectric models detect smoke much more rapidly.  Combination ionization and photoelectric models are available, as are those that are interconnected.  Replace the battery every six months and test it once a month. 

The NFPA offers information and resources to keep your home safe from fire year around. Review statistics related to the U.S. Fire Problem.

Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications

Don’t wait for the March 21, 2008 deadline to seek relief from home heating costs or home heating emergencies.  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is encouraging those seeking relief from home heating costs or home heating emergencies to consult program eligibility guidelines.

Applications for LIHEAP are being accepted by the state Department of Public Welfare for two types of heating assistance grants to low-income residents.  Cash grants of up to $300 are available to help pay monthly heating bills, while crisis grants can help with the cost of heating emergencies.  These include broken heating equipment or leaking lines, a lack of fuel, or termination of utility service.  The funding does not need to be repaid and no lien is placed on a recipient’s home.

Applicants will be required to provide the names, birthdates, and Social Security numbers for those living in the household.  Proof of household income and a recent heating bill are also required.  The following chart outlines the LIHEAP income eligibility requirements:

For details or to apply to the program, residents can contact the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095 or access the LIHEAP website.

PUC Campaign Urges "Day of Utility Service"

On Monday, January 21, 2008, we will honor Martin Luther King Jr..  While we are challenged to transform the King Holiday into a day of citizen action through volunteer service in honor of the civil rights leader, the PA Public Utility Commission (PUC) is encouraging that Martin Luther King Jr. Day, be a "Day of Utility Service", as well as a “Day of Service."

The PUC is urging consumers to replace a light bulb with a new energy efficient one, adjust your thermostat, or weatherize your house.  Help a needy friend or neighbor enroll in budget billing, sign-up for energy assistance, or winterize his or her home.  Link to the PUC for more tips devoted to its Day of Utility Service campaign.

Directly access energy and money-saving tips:

Prepare Now - Easy ways to save energy and money this winter. 

General Conservation Tips - Information on where to conserve around the house. 

Need Help Staying Warm this Heating Season - Information on where help is available.  Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury - Information from EnergyStar. 

Be Water Wise - Tips for how water is used around the house and how you can conserve.

PUC announces Day of Utility Service: 

Day of Utility Service

PA Game Commission Announces January Meeting Agenda

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will conduct its first meetings of 2008 beginning on Sunday, January 27 through Tuesday, January 29.  Staff reports, a workshop, and public testimony will be delivered during the three-day meeting to be held at PGC headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue, near the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg.

The Agenda will include collecting recommendations for the 2008-09 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits.  If you would like to attend, consult the PGC for details.  Anyone interested in offering public testimony will be limited to five minutes and will be required to register at noon on a first-come, first-to-speak basis.

If you will be unable to attend but would like to follow up on the outcome, consult PGC meeting minutes.

Pennsylvania Readies for Winter with the Snowmobile & ATV Guide

Looking for new terrain on which to ride your snowmobile -- let the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) be your guide to thousands of miles of trails and roadways in state forests, state parks, and on state game lands.

The Pennsylvania Snowmobile & ATV Guide, published by DCNR, can help you locate welcoming trails through its 49 pages of information beginning with registration, titling and insurance; imparting personal and environmentally-friendly tips, and relaying information on how to get more personally involved in Pennsylvania’s snowmobiling community.

Unlike other vehicles, snowmobiles and ATV’s are registered with DCNR.  Access the Department’s Registration, Titling & Insurance webpage for complete details and an application.

Download a copy of the Guide:  or call 717-787-9306. 

Insurance Check Up Recommended

Have you been promising to inventory your household contents for insurance purposes in case of an emergency?  The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance is recommending consumers resolve to give themselves an insurance check up, including household, health, vehicle, and other coverages.

Did you get a new flat screen TV for Christmas?  Or perhaps you replaced that kitchen countertop with a new upgraded version.  Any new interior content, home improvements, additions, or other renovations during the past year that increased your property value should be considered in your insurance “check up.”

Families with newborns should know that under most health plans, a baby must be added to your health insurance policy within 30 days of birth.  The Bureau of Consumer Services for the PA Insurance Department is prepared to help you conduct a pain-free insurance check up to ensure your family has adequate coverage at the best prices.