Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Celebrate the 4th of July Safely

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: Barbecue Safely This Summer

Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers reminds everyone to take the following precautions when grilling this summer:

• Do not wear loose fitting clothing while cooking. 
• Never, under any circumstances, should children (supervised or unsupervised) be allowed to start outdoor cooking equipment. 
• Barbecue grills are not allowed on apartment building balconies or decks.  
• Barbecue grills are allowed on porches and decks of one and two family homes. 
• Never store a spare LPG (propane) container under or near the grill. 
• Never store LPG cylinders inside your home.  
• Always turn off the valves when not in use. 
• When purchasing a gas grill, select one that bears the approval mark of an independent testing laboratory. 
• Do not transport LPG cylinders in the trunk of a passenger vehicle. 
• To guard against the possibility of damage or explosion, burners tubing, and piping should be clean and free from insects, dust and debris.

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Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Prepared for Utility Disruptions

Power outages and disruptions of utility services can happen for various reasons, such as emergencies, severe weather, downed trees or power lines. They often happen during the summer months due to an increased demand as the temperature rises. Prepare yourself with the following tips and download our Disruption of Utility Service flier and When the Lights Go Out flier.

If You Lose Phone Service:

• Use your cell phone, or borrow one from a friend or neighbor, and call your provider to report the outage.
• You could lose phone service during a power outage if your phone requires an electrical outlet to work. It is a good idea to have a phone that does not rely on electricity, and just plugs into a phone jack.

If You Smell Gas:

• DO NOT smoke or light lighters or matches. If the odor is very strong, do not use your phone or operate any light switches or electrical devices – any spark could cause a fire.
• Open windows.
• Evacuate immediately, then call 9-1-1.

Water and Sewer-Related Problems:

• Always have a supply of bottled water in the house.
• If you see water coming up from the ground or road, or suspect a water main break, call the Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300. Be ready to provide the following information on the phone: a description of the condition, what is being affected (street, basement, subway), the exact location of the problem, and your name, address and telephone number.
• If you have no water or very low water pressure, call the Water Department at 215-685-6300.
• If there is a concern about drinking water quality, officials will tell you what actions to take.

If There is a Power Outage:

• Call your power provider immediately to report the outage.
• PECO Energy Customer Service: 1-800-494-4000.
• PECO Energy Emergency hotline: 1-800-841-4141.
• Disconnect or turn off all appliances that would otherwise go on automatically when the power comes back on. 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. Each time the door is opened, heat enters and speeds up the thawing process.
• Stay indoors, if possible.
• Never touch or go near downed power lines.
• Do not burn charcoal indoors, and do not use your kitchen gas range or stove to heat rooms. These might cause a fire or a hazardous smoke condition.
• Do not use generators indoors. They can create a deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
• Keep a battery-operated radio tuned to KYW 1060 AM for updates.

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

With temperatures climbing and the summer approaching, here are a few simple tips from the Pennsylvania Utility Commission on how to stay cool and conserve energy in your home:

• Only use the air conditioner when you are home. 
• Clean or change your air conditioner filter at least once a month. 
• Set your air conditioner's thermostat to no lower than 78F.  
• Keep drapes closed and shades drawn to shield the suns heat. 
• Use clothes dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening, not in the heat of the day. 
• Use a microwave instead of a conventional range or oven. 
• Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight or stay on the lowest floor of your home. 
• Air leaks waste energy. Caulking and weather-stripping will help keep cool air in.

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: Ride Your Bike Safely and Enjoy the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship

With the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship on June 6, remember that in Pennsylvania bicycles are considered vehicles with the same responsibilities and rights as automobiles. Follow these simple tips to ride safely:

• Make sure your bike fits you properly. While straddling the bike, there should be an inch or two between you and the top tube on a road bike and on a mountain bike you want the clearance to be about five inches, so you can dismount on rough terrain.
• Adjust your seat height so that there is a slight bend in your knee when the pedal is in the down most position.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet that does not shake and sits on your forehead about two fingers width above your brow.
• When riding at night, every state requires bikes to have a white front light and a red rear light or reflector.
• Wear bright color clothing and reflector tape any time of day to ensure motorists can easily see you.
• Do the A.B.C Quick check before you ride to make sure you have enough air in your tires, your brakes are working properly, your cranks, chain and cassettes run smoothly and your quick release tires are secure. Also, make sure nothing else is loose on your bike.
• Follow the rules of the road - ride in the same direction as traffic, obey all traffic signs, signals and road markings – this means stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, riding in turn lanes when turning and straight lanes when riding straight.
• Ride Defensively – look before riding out of driveways, always look for turning vehicles or pedestrians in your path, and look behind you and signal before changing lanes.
• Know the law - it is illegal in Philadelphia for anyone over the age of 12 to ride their bike on the sidewalk. Also, children 12 and under are required to wear a helmet.
• Avoid Road Hazards – ride around potholes, drain grates, gravel, glass and debris.
• Be Predictable – help motorist know exactly what you plan to do – signal, make eye contact if possible, and ride without swerving.
• Stay to the right and pass other cyclists on the left using an audible signal.

For more information check out the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia or the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship.