PEMA Urges Safety for Motorists and Residents Using Alternative Heat Sources

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With freezing rain
causing downed trees and power lines over large portions of the state, the
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is urging motorists to be cautious on
the roads and to not drive over downed wires or branches.
"Be especially careful when driving at night and watch for black ice,
downed wires or debris in the roadway," said PEMA Director Robert P. French.
"If possible, turn around to avoid such obstructions. Do not try to move
fallen power lines yourself."
Wind chills overnight will approach zero degrees and the very cold
conditions could create treacherous situations on the roads as moisture
refreezes. Additionally, strong wind could blow snowfall already on the
ground leading to white out conditions in higher elevations.
As electric utilities continue to restore power, it is critical that
citizens safely use alternative heating sources. According to the State Fire
Commissioner, carefully read the instructions on your heating source before
turning it on so you'll avoid a potentially dangerous misuse of the heating
device. Here are some tips on the safe use of alternative heating sources:

-- Keep all people and flammable materials, including kindling, furniture,
clothing and pets, at least 36 inches away from fire places and wood
stoves.

-- Never use an oven or range to heat your home. Never use a gas or
charcoal grill inside the home. And gas-fueled portable electric
generators must be used outside, never indoors or in an area that
allows carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas
that claims hundreds of lives every year, to collect.

-- Open flues before using the fireplace. Fireplaces need screens or
doors to keep embers inside. Keep young children away from wood stoves
to avoid contact burn injuries.

-- Kerosene heaters must never be fueled inside the home or garage; use
the recommended grade kerosene and never use an alternative fuel, such
as gasoline. Also, supervise children and pets when heaters are used.

-- Fuel-burning appliances, such as gas, wood, or kerosene, can emit
dangerous levels of CO. Install at least one CO alarm to protect
sleeping areas. Have trained professionals inspect and service central
heating systems, cook stoves, water heaters and space heaters to
prevent CO leaks.

-- Candle use presents an increasingly dangerous fire hazard. Use
flashlights for emergency lighting. Keep candles away from flammable
materials, like furniture and curtains. Do not permit children to keep
or use candles in their rooms. Place candles where pets won't knock
them over.

Residents who are without power are urged to call their electric utility
to report their outage and not 9-1-1. Most utilities can provide an estimate
of when power will be restored to your area. The Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission is working with utilities to have power back as quickly as possible
and urges patience as the work takes place.
For more information on winter safety tips and the latest weather updates,
visit www.pema.state.pa.us. For additional information on fire safety, visit
www.osfc.state.pa.us

CONTACT: Justin Fleming
(717) 651-2731

SOURCE Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Justin Fleming, +1-717-651-2731, for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania