Wolf Administration Urges Pennsylvanians to Stay Safe in Inclement Weather

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As cold temperatures and snow blanket the commonwealth, the departments of Human Services and Health are urging Pennsylvanians to take commonsense steps to reduce the risk of health hazards during and after the storm.

"It's critically important that Pennsylvanians use extreme caution to protect their health and safety with the impending storm. Significant accumulations and extreme temperatures are expected, posing severe health threats including frostbite, hypothermia, and increased risk of heart attacks due to shoveling and strenuous activity," said Dr. Rachel Levine, Acting Physician General, Pennsylvania Department of Health. "If you will be spending time outdoors, try to dress warmly, stay dry, and don't ignore warning signs of overexposure or strain when shoveling. Also be sure not to forget to check on your neighbors and protect pets."

Following are health and safety tips from the commonwealth:

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning during power outages:

• Never use an electric generator, camp stove or similar device indoors since they produce carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that builds up in closed spaces and is deadly.
• Leave your home immediately and call 911 if your carbon monoxide detector sounds. Get medical help right away if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are dizzy, light headed or nauseous.

Stay as warm as possible:

• Hypothermia is a serious condition that happens when your body temperature is too low. Older Pennsylvanians and babies are most at risk and should be checked frequently. If your power is out for a long time, stay with a relative or friend, or go to a shelter if one is open in your area.
• If you must venture outdoors, make trips brief and dress warmly. Cover your ears, head, mouth and face to prevent frostbite.

Prevent snow removal injuries:

• If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms of a heart attack while shoveling snow, call 911.
• When possible, push snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, bend your legs and not your back. Also avoid twisting motions that can stress your back.
• If using a snow blower, read and follow all safety instructions.

Apply for home heating assistance:

• The Department of Human Services (DHS) is still accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) 2014-15 heating season.
• LIHEAP assists with home heating bills to keep low-income Pennsylvanians warm and safe throughout the winter. Crisis and regular LIHEAP grants are available to renters and homeowners.
• Online applications can be completed by visiting www.compass.state.pa.us. Paper applications are still available through local county assistance offices, or interested applicants can download and print an application from the department's website.  

For more information on the LIHEAP program or to download an application, visit the DHS website at www.dhs.state.pa.us and click on "For Adults" then "Heating Assistance/LIHEAP."

For more extensive information on managing cold weather, visit www.health.pa.gov or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH.

Media contact:    Kait Gillis, DHS, 717-425-7606
Aimee Tysarczyk, DOH, 717-787-1783

Editor's Note:

Eligibility for the 2014-15 LIHEAP season is set at 150 percent of the federal poverty income. The chart below shows the maximum income for eligibility based on household size. Each additional person in the household adds $6,090 to the maximum income allowed.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us