Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Decorate Safely for the Holidays

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 170 home fires involving holiday lights and other decorative lighting occur each year.

The following are a few simple fire safety tips from the USFA to help ensure that you have a fire safe holiday season.

Holiday Lights

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do not overload electrical outlets. 
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.

Holiday Decorations

• Use Only Nonflammable Decorations: All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
• Don't Block Exits: Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Wrapping Paper

• Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace: Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Care

• Avoid Using Lit Candles.
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. 
• Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree.
• Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

If you are using a tree in your holiday decorations, check back next week for additional fire prevention tips.

Small Business Administration Closing Business Recovery Center in Philadelphia

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that due to a steady decrease of activity, the Business Recovery Centers located throughout Pennsylvania will cease operations Thursday, Dec. 1 at the close of business. 

The location and hours of operations of SBA’s Business Recovery Center in Philadelphia are:

4212 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Hours: Mon thru Fri 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Closes: Thu, Dec. 1 at 6:00 pm

The SBA offers low interest disaster loans to disaster survivors for physical losses up to its loan limits. Approved loans can be increased for protective measures to lessen similar future damages. Additionally, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations can obtain loans for unmet working capital needs. To be considered for this assistance, disaster survivors need to apply by the deadline.

For additional information, call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan application forms can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. Those affected by the disasters may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA’s website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

The deadlines for Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee to return applications for physical property damage is December 14, 2011 and to return economic injury applications is June 12, 2012.

For more information about the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program, visit www.sba.gov. 

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Stay Safe When Cooking This Thanksgiving

Cooking fires continue to be the most common type of fires experienced by U.S. households. There is an increased incidence of cooking fires on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. Here are some tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to help keep you safe this holiday season:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. 
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you're cooking. 
• Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you have to be alert. You won't be if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy. 
• Keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, or curtains - away from your stovetop. 
• Keep the stovetop, burners, and oven clean. 
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire if it comes into contact with a gas flame or electric burner. 
• Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire.

If You Have a Cooking Fire

• When in doubt, just get out. When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. 
• If you do try to fight the fire, be sure others are already getting out and you have a clear path to the exit. 
• Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby when you are cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (make sure you are wearing the oven mitt). Turn off the burner. Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, leave the lid on until the pan is completely cool. 
• In case of an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you or your clothing. 
• If you have a fire in your microwave oven, turn it off immediately and keep the door closed. Never open the door until the fire is completely out. Unplug the appliance if you can safely reach the outlet. 
• After a fire, both ovens and microwaves should be checked and/or serviced before being used again.

Turkey Fryer Safety Tips

• Use turkey fryers outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any other combustible materials. 
• Never use turkey fryers in a garage or on a wooden deck. 
• Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. 
• Never leave the fryer unattended. Most units do not have thermostat controls. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. 
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside the cooking pot can remain dangerously hot hours after use. 
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. 
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter. 
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and be careful with marinades. Oil and water do not mix; water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard. 
• The National Turkey Federation recommends thawing the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every five pounds in weight. 
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. If the fire is manageable, use your all-purpose fire extinguisher. If the fire increases, immediately call the fire department for help.

FEMA: Certain Private Non-Profits May Be Eligible For Disaster Aid

Certain private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) may be eligible for disaster assistance for losses suffered during Hurricane Irene and/or Tropical Storm Lee, announced the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The PNPs must meet certain federal and Commonwealth qualifiers to apply under the federal Public Assistance program.

Federal disaster declarations for Hurricane Irene and for Tropical Storm Lee were signed by the President for Public Assistance following the August and September storms. The declarations make federal funding available to the Commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities that suffered damage or whose services were curtailed. The PNP organization’s losses must meet a threshold of $1,000.00.

The PNP must be located in one of the following designated counties: Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montgomery, Monroe, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Wyoming and York.

“We encourage private nonprofits in the designated counties to contact their county emergency management office to see if they are eligible for FEMA funds to help in their recovery. Emergency managers will provide information, answer questions and walk them through the application process,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool.  

Private nonprofit organizations must have:  

• An effective ruling letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) granting tax exemption under Section 501 (c), (d) or (e) of the IRS Code of 1954 as amended, or 
• State certification that the organization is a non-revenue producing nonprofit entity organized or doing business under Commonwealth law.

Additional criteria for eligibility
The private nonprofit seeking Public Assistance must be open to the public, with the exception of educational, utility, emergency, medical or custodial care facilities.  Assistance may include funds for emergency work, the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities and assistance for emergency protective measures.

Private nonprofit facilities
Eligible PNPs seeking funds for permanent repairs and restoration must provide a critical and essential government service. The types of facilities may include educational, medical, emergency, irrigation, museums, arts centers, zoos, libraries, shelters, and health and safety facilities.

Facilities with mixed eligible and non-eligible activities may receive funding on a pro-rated basis for assistance if the facility dedicates over 50 percent of its space to public use. Assistance for costs not eligible for FEMA assistance may be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  If the mixed-use facility provides critical services in whole or in part, it may apply directly to FEMA for permanent work for the eligible portion.

Critical services
Critical service facilities include power, water, sewer and wastewater, communications, emergency medical care, nursing homes and fire protection/emergency services.

Non critical service facilities, the SBA loan, and FEMA aid
If the PNP applies to SBA the following may occur: 

• The PNP is approved for an SBA disaster loan and the loan fully covers eligible damages from the disaster event; no assistance from FEMA is available, 
• The PNP cannot afford an SBA disaster loan for the full amount of their uninsured losses, the additional damages may be eligible for FEMA assistance, 
• The PNP declines to accept the SBA loan, eligibility for FEMA assistance will be reduced by the amount of the approved loan that was offered.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Put a Freeze on Winter Fires

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommend following these tips to prevent winter home fires:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period, turn off the stove. 
• Space heaters need space; keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from each heater. 
• Check electrical cords often and replace cracked or damaged electrical or extension cords. Do not try to repair them. 
• Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home. They are not designed for this purpose and can be a fire hazard. In addition, carbon monoxide (CO) gas might kill people and pets. 
• Do not put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. 
• Avoid using lighted candles. If you must use candles, place them in sturdy candleholders that won't burn. 
• If you smoke, use only fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside.

Retrofitting Helps Protect Your Home From Flooding

Both expected and sudden storms may cause serious flood damage to property and possessions. Homeowners who take steps to retrofit their home in anticipation of uncertain weather, come out ahead. Have you taken this precaution? Have you wondered if it’s really necessary to go to the expense of retrofitting because you are not in a floodplain or an area prone to flooding? 

According to officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), everyone lives in a floodplain.

“The destruction caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee confirm how destructive weather can be,” said Commonwealth Coordinating Officer John Forr. “It makes sense to do all you can to be prepared in advance.”

Before you decide to what extent to retrofit your home, you will want to know what damage-reduction methods are available, how they work, their cost, and whether they meet your specific needs.

Damage Reduction Methods:

• Elevation - Involves raising your house to bring the lowest floor above flood level. This is the most common way to avoid flood damage.
• Wet floodproofing - Protecting a building by allowing floodwaters to enter uninhabited areas of the property; for example, parking and storage areas.  
• Levees and floodwalls – Constructing barriers of compacted soil or manmade materials like concrete or masonry to block floodwaters.
• Relocation (a) – Moving your house to higher ground.
• Relocation (b) – Moving your house outside of the flood hazard area.
• Demolition – Demolishing your home and rebuilding on the property or elsewhere, to meet flood-resistant standards.

Determine What Methods Will Work Best for You:

• Inspect your home with the various damage-reduction methods in mind.
• Check with local officials concerning hazards, codes and regulations, technical guidance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program assistance.
• Consult with a design professional and a contractor.

FEMA mitigation specialists are available for face-to-face consultation in Lowe’s stores at the following locations through Nov. 14.

• Berks County - 4535 Perkioman Ave., Reading      
• Lancaster County - 1845 Hempstead Rd., Lancaster
• Montgomery County - 630 Cowpath Rd., Lansdale
• Montgomery County - 2002 Chemical Rd., Plymouth Meeting
• Philadelphia County - 2106 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia
• Philadelphia County – 1500 N. 50 St., Philadelphia

Once you have as much information as possible on damage-reduction methods and know which will work for your structure, decide on how much you will have to spend to accomplish your retrofitting goals.

Finances should not be a stumbling block to homeowners, according to Federal Coordinating Officer Thomas J. McCool. “Individuals who want to protect their home by retrofitting should consider FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Policy-holders may qualify for Increased Cost of Compliance coverage for substantially damaged properties, which helps pay for some types of retrofitting,” McCool said. Loans and help with insurance payments may also be available.

For more information on floodproofing your home, order the Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting, Publication 312, by calling FEMA at 1-800-480-2520. For information on NFIP call 1-800-CALL-FLOOD ext. 304 or visit FEMA’s Web site at www.floodalert.fema.gov. 

If you had damage from Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee and have not registered with FEMA, call 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. Operators are multilingual and calls are answered seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. You also can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov. If you have a disability and need help registering, don’t hesitate to contact FEMA for help.

FEMA Offers Free Advice on Reducing Damage from Future Disasters

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialists are on hand at Lowe’s home improvement store, 2106 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard, beginning Thursday, November 10, through Monday, November 14. Mitigation Outreach teams will be available from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. to provide information about ways to rebuild or remodel that can reduce the risk of damages from future disasters.

They also are there to answer questions about FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.

Rebuilding or repairing a home after a disaster can be a daunting task – but, with the right information, homeowners can build back safer, smarter and stronger.

The outreach teams suggest mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards such as flooding and high winds. They answer questions about FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and explain how best to clean up mold, mildew and bacteria, common problems after flooding. They also offer tips on how to protect structures from future flooding, including information about relocating electrical panels, washers, dryers, and heating and cooling equipment to avoid water damage.

By taking precautions after flooding, residents can safely reoccupy damaged buildings. Spending a few dollars today on mitigation measures can save lives and prevent damages in the thousands of dollars in the future.

Additional help is available at the following websites:

• www.floodsmart.gov, Information regarding FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. 
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/build_safer.shtm, Low-cost measures to reduce risk from natural disasters, building and retrofitting tips, and how to build a safe room. 
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/mitigation.shtm, Information and resources for making your property less susceptible to future losses. 
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/community_build_safer.shtm, Safer building design and construction for design professionals, home installers, surveyors and state and local officials. 
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/after.shtm, Resources for different phases of recovering and rebuilding. 
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/smart_strong.shtm, Information and guidance on building safer.

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Make Your Home Winter Ready

Winter is right around the corner, so take some time before it gets too cold; and get your home ready for the winter in a few simple steps:

• Seal drafts: Use door sweeps, weather-stripping or caulk to close spaces around exterior doors or windows. Caulk or apply tacky rope caulk to drafty spots. Install outlet gaskets in electrical outlets that share a home's outer walls. Seal outside leaks with weather-resistant caulk or masonry sealer for brick.
  
• Insulate walls and attics.
• Check the heat: Turn your heat on now, to make sure it's working, before the bitter cold weather descends.
• Make sure your heating ducts are well connected and insulated. Repair places where pipes are pinched, which impedes flow of heated air to the house, and fix gaps with a metal-backed tape (duct tape actually doesn't stand up to the job over time).
• Install storm windows or use a window insulation kit to cover windows with plastic sheeting from the inside.
• Inspect chimneys and fireplaces before use.
• Reverse ceiling fans: By reversing its direction, the fan will push warm air downward.
• Run generators outside. Open windows and fans do not provide enough ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. 
  

Wally Wise Guy's Wise Words of the Week: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks

When adjusting your clock for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, November 6, the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management reminds you to refresh your emergency supplies and change your smoke alarm battery.

Every household should have at least a three-day supply of bottled water, non-perishable foods and essential medications set aside for each member of the family, including pets.

Take the time now to:

• Make sure your radio and flashlight work properly. 
• Check the expiration date of your extra batteries. 
• Open your first-aid kit and look for expiration dates of the items, such as aspirin or any other medications in your supplies. 
• Refresh your emergency supply of not-easily-perishable food and water. 
• Review your Household Emergency Plan with the members of your household and update the emergency contacts, if necessary. 
• Hold an emergency drill, like a home fire drill. 
• Remember your pets – include them in your plan and refresh their emergency supply of food and water.

For more information on emergency supplies and how to develop a household emergency plan, visit the What to Have: In Your Head, In Your Home, In Your Hand, For Pets, and For Special Needs pages on www.phila.gov/ready.

FEMA Experts Continue to Provide Free Rebuilding Advice

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Outreach teams currently providing storm-damage repair and rebuilding advice in Snyder and Philadelphia Counties will continue doing so for another week.

Originally scheduled through Monday, October 31, the teams’ stays have been extended in response to homeowner interest in information that helps them build back safer, smarter and stronger. They will be at the following Lowe’s from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, through Monday, November 7 (The teams are not at Lowe’s stores on Tuesdays):

• 1389 N. Susquehanna Trail, Selinsgrove, PA 17870
• 1500 N. 50th St., Philadelphia, PA 19131

The outreach teams suggest mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards such as flooding and high winds. They answer questions about FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program and explain how best to clean up mold, mildew and bacteria, common problems after flooding. They also offer tips on how to protect structures from future flooding, including information about relocating electrical panels, washers, dryers, and heating and cooling equipment to avoid water damage.

By taking precautions after flooding, residents can safely reoccupy damaged buildings. Spending a few dollars today on mitigation measures can save lives and prevent damages in the thousands of dollars in the future.

Additional help is available at the following websites:

• www.floodsmart.gov, Information regarding FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/build_safer.shtm, Low-cost measures to reduce risk from natural disasters, building and retrofitting tips, and how to build a safe room.
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/mitigation.shtm, Information and resources for making your property less susceptible to future losses.
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/community_build_safer.shtm, Safer building design and construction for design professionals, home installers, surveyors and state and local officials.
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/after.shtm, Resources for different phases of recovering and rebuilding. 
• www.fema.gov/rebuild/smart_strong.shtm, Information and guidance on building safer.

First Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

On November 9 at 2 p.m., please remember: Don't stress; it's only a test.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - On November 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET, the federal government will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last up to three and a half minutes. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management would like to ensure that Philadelphia residents, businesses and the larger public are aware that this event will be just a test, and not a real emergency alert.

The test is being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as part of their ongoing efforts to keep the nation safe during emergencies and strengthen our resilience against all hazards.

The national Emergency Alert System is an alert and warning system that can be activated by the president, if needed, to provide information to the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors, and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. The test is an important exercise in ensuring that the system is effective in communicating critical information to the public in the event of a real national emergency.

Similar to emergency alert system tests that are already conducted frequently on the local level, the nationwide test will involve television and radio stations across the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System.

The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, along with FEMA, encourages the public to use this event as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Visit www.phila.gov/ready for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.