Look After Elderly Relatives and Neighbors
Check their smoke alarms to protect their lives.
Ensure that they are warm but make sure they understand the following tips
Smoke Alarms
Have a smoke alarms on every level of your home.
If you haven't checked your batteries recently, check them now.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Have a CO alarm near each of the sleeping areas of your home.
Test batteries today.
Use of Heaters
Never use gas or electric ranges and ovens to heat your home.
Keep combustible materials such as newspapers or clothes at least 3 feet (36 inches) away from portable heaters.
Never place portable heaters at the bottom of the stairway. This will block the escape route in the event of a fire.
For portable electric heaters, check cords for cracks, breaks or loose connections. Never overload electrical sockets!
For Portable Kerosene Heaters
Use only approved K-1 kerosene, never gasoline!
Never fill or refill kerosene heaters indoors.
Avoid overfilling heater.
Never store kerosene or other flammable liquids indoors.
During Freezing Temperatures
Know how to get out of your home in case of emergencies. Ensure windows and doors are in working order. Make sure everyone in your home knows what to do in case of an emergency.
Never leave children alone in the home, even for a short period of time.
Avoid trying to thaw frozen pipes with a blow torch or other open flame. Get help from a neighbor. Use hot water or a device specifically designed for thawing pipes.
"Take Smoking Outside". Periods of cold weather are not a reason to change this rule.
Remember your commitment to fire safety. Now is not the time to relax or be careless with fire. In fact, special care should be taken around fire during freezing temperatures.
If You Still Have Cold Related Hardships :
Stay with friends or family
Contact PGW at (215) 684-6100 for information regarding the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Contact PECO for electrical concerns.
REMEMBER, You Should Call 911 In Case of EMERGENCY. For non-emergencies or questions regarding cold weather issues, you should call 311.
Smoke alarms are available through the Smoke Alarm Hotline at 215 - 686 - 1176.
