Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Shovel Snow Safely and Properly

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health recommends the following snow shoveling tips:

• Warm up with some stretching exercises inside. 
• Start slowly and pace yourself. Shovel no more than five loads a minute; don't shovel for more than 15 minutes without taking a break. Pause to stretch every five minutes by standing up straight. 
• Push the snow. Don't lift. If you must lift, use your legs not your back. 
• Drink during breaks to avoid dehydration. Breathing cold dry air robs moisture from your body with every breath. 
• Never throw over your shoulder. Twisting can strain the back. Face the snow being shoveled, keep your back straight and knees bent and throw in front of you. 
• Dress warmly in layers with a hat. Cover your neck. 
• Take smaller scoops of snow, keeping them light and small. 
• Don't work up a sweat. Bodies lose heat faster in damp clothes, which makes you more prone to injury. Take a break if you're beginning to sweat. 
• Don't smoke or eat a heavy meal before shoveling. It's harder on the heart. 
• Don't hold your breath; this makes your heart rate and blood pressure rise. 
• Don't feel the job has to get done in one session. 

The Law Regarding Snow Removal from Sidewalks
According to Philadelphia code (10-720), "the owner, agent and tenants of any building or premise shall clear a path not less than 36 inches in width on all sidewalks abutting the building or premise within six hours after snow has ceased to fall. The path shall be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Where the width of any pavement measured from the property line to the curb is less than three feet, the path cleared maybe only 12 inches in width. When the building in question is a multifamily dwelling the owner or his agent shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of this section. Snow or ice removed from sidewalks, driveways, or other areas shall not be placed or piled in the street. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the provisions and penalties set forth in 10-718 and 10-719."

Employment Opportunities

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management is actively seeking applicants for the following positions. The application deadline for both openings is March 8, 2011.

Deputy Director for Planning

Logistics Planning Coordinator

Check for future openings on the Job Opportunities page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website, www.phila.gov/ready.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Be Prepared to Evacuate with a Go Bag

In the event that you need to evacuate your home due to fire, flooding or another emergency, prepare a Go Bag with some essential items. Many of these materials can be found around your home or even at a dollar store: 

• Copies of your important documents, such as insurance cards, photo IDs, birth certificates, deeds, and proof of address. Keep these in a waterproof and portable container. 
• Extra set of car and house keys.  
  
• Credit and ATM cards.   
• Cash, especially in small bills (ones, fives and tens).  
  
• Bottled water and ready-to-eat foods, such as energy or granola bars.   
• Flashlight and extra batteries.   
• Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (You can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries.)  
• Medication. Be sure to refill medications before they expire. Keep a list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. Also keep copies of all prescriptions, and your doctors’ and pharmacist’s contact information.   
• First-aid kit.   
• Sturdy, comfortable shoes, lightweight rain gear, and a mylar blanket.   
• Contact and meeting place information for the members of your household (Family Emergency Plan).   
• A small regional map (Emergency Evacuation Route Map).   
• Personal care items: hand sanitizer, feminine products, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper and wipes.  
• Special care items, including child care supplies, items for special needs and pet supplies.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, visit the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management at www.phila.gov/ready. 

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Keep a Winter Emergency Kit In Your Car

Be sure to store these items in your vehicle during the winter driving season:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated or wind-up radio
• Jumper cables
• Emergency flares
• Fluorescent distress flag
• Tow chains or rope
• Cell phone and charger
• First-aid supplies
• Warm clothing, hats and mittens
• Blankets
• Ice scraper
• Snow shovel
• Road salt and sand
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Any special needs, such as medication, baby supplies, pet food

For more information on emergency preparedenss, visit Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management at www.phila.gov/ready.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Drive Safely On Icy Roads

In the event of icy road conditions, follow these driving tips from The Weather Channel.

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

Find additional tips for driving in the snow and ice at weather.com.