Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Safe with Fireworks This July 4th

In Pennsylvania, sparklers are the only fireworks legal to purchase without a permit. However, just because they are legal does not mean they can't be dangerous. Keep the 4th of July celebration safe by following these tips:

• Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees.
• Light them away from dry leaves or grass.
• Avoid the use of sparklers in crowded areas.
• Only allow children to handle sparklers under adult supervision.
• Pour water on all used fireworks before disposal
• Treat any that did not ignite as if they are still lit and extinguish with water.
• Instead of firecrackers, use a cap gun to make some noise.

Remember, cherry bombs, aerial shells and other non-sparklers are illegal without a permit. Leave those in the hands of professionals by attending the fireworks displays in the Philadelphia area.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Grill Safely This Summer

Barbecue grills are regulated by the Philadelphia Fire Code. The following are a few tips to ensure the safe use of grills:

• When using a propane fueled barbecue grill, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make a thorough inspection of the grill at the beginning of each cooking season. Gas connections should be checked for leaks by applying a soapy water solution; bubbles will form if gas is escaping. Damaged or corroded gas tanks should be replaced and not used.


• When a liquid fire starter is used to light charcoal, only charcoal lighter fluids should be used – gasoline, kerosene, or any other flammable or combustible liquid should not be used. The lighter fluid should be used before lighting the charcoal, and not while it is burning.


• Barbecue grills should not be left unattended. Small children and pets should be kept away from the cooking area.


• When a barbecue grill is not in use, shut the gas off at the tank, and store it in an outdoor location away from where children play, not in direct sunlight, and at least 5 feet from any building openings at or below the level of the propane tank.


• When transporting a propane tank in a vehicle, such as for refueling, the tank should be placed in an upright position, secured against movement, and not left unattended. In hot weather, a tank should be transported in a ventilated area of a vehicle.

Click to review the Philadelphia Fire Departments Barbeque Grill Regulations.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Prepared in the Event of Power Outages

If there is a power outage:

• Call your power provider immediately.
• Disconnect or turn off all appliances that would go on automatically. If several appliances start up at once, they could overload the circuits.
• To prevent food spoilage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Stay indoors, if possible.
• Stay out of standing water.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Do not burn candles.
• Do not burn charcoal indoors.
• Do not use your kitchen gas range or stove for heat.
• Doing so may cause a fire or hazardous smoke.
• Do not use generators indoors. They can create a deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
• Keep a radio tuned to KYW 1060 AM for updates.

PECO Customer Service: 1-800-494-4000
PECO Emergency Hotline: 1-800-841-4141

Operation Surge Command, a Mass Casualty Tabletop Exercise

Philadelphia's Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney discusses the tabletop exercise, Operation Surge Command, which simulated a train derailment involving 300 casualties.

The exercise, held at the Philadelphia Fire Academy, provided critical first responders and key stakeholders an opportunity to train together, discuss, exercise and evaluate the emergency communications and resource management capabilities of City agencies involved with a Mass Casualty Incident.

For more information, photos, audio and video clips, visit www.phila.gov/ready.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Conserve Energy This Summer

In very hot and humid weather, we often use more electricity to stay cool. Saving energy saves you money and puts less stress on utilities. Follow these simple tips to reduce the risk of power outages in extreme heat:

• Clean or change your air conditioner filter at least once a month.


• Only use the air conditioner when you are home.


• Set your air conditioner's thermostat to no lower than 78F.

For more information on how to stay safe this summer, visit the Extreme Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website, www.phila.gov/ready.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Hurricane Season Begins This Week, Be Prepared

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.


• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.


• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.


• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.


• If you own a boat, determine how and where to secure it.


• Consider building a safe room.

"How To" guides for protecting your property from flooding & high winds.