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News You Can Use

November 7, 2008

LIHEAP Applications Now Being Accepted

The application period for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is now open with eligibility expanded from 150 percent to approximately 210 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines to help low income people pay their heating bills.

During the 2008-09 heating season, a family of four with an annual income of up to $44,443 can qualify for federal funds administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW).

In addition, the minimum cash grant to families has been increased from between $100 - $300 to between $300 - $800.  Cash grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel, and region.

Crisis grants are provided to resolve heating emergencies, such as furnace failures or unexpected fuel shortages.  In addition to proof of income and household size, applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel that they use.

Access complete details and an application to submit your request for LIHEAP assistance. 

Game Commission Officials to Appear on "Call-In" Show

Representatives of the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) are scheduled to appear on an upcoming edition of the Pennsylvania Cable Network's "PCN Call-In" program to answer viewer's questions.

Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Deer and Elk Management Section Supervisor, and Jerry Feaser, PGC press secretary, will be fielding calls on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 7 p.m. as they appear on nearly 150 cable systems throughout the state.  Questions may be called into PCN's toll-free number at 1-877-PA65001 (726-5001).  Viewers are advised to check local listings for the PCN channel in your area. 

PCN is a nonprofit, nonpartisan cable television network that airs unedited live and same-day coverage of Pennsylvania House and Senate sessions, press conferences, speeches, and other public forums where the business of the state is debated, discussed, and decided.  For more information, visit PCN's website.

Think Twice About Replacing Annuities 

Are you feeling pressured by your insurer to replace annuities because of claims the company is under financial stress?  The Pennsylvania Department of Insurance is encouraging you to slow down and understand the full impact of any decisions before liquidating or replacing annuities you already hold.

Among the issues to consider are incurring significant surrender charges and any adverse tax consequences related to the liquidation or replacement of annuities.  The Department is urging agents selling these products to be mindful of their duties to consumers, and to be certain that a thorough financial analysis is part of any recommendation to a consumer to replace annuity products.

Consumers should understand the need to get all key information in writing.  Remember, Pennsylvania has a "free look" period for insurance consumers.  During that time, if you decide that you don't want the annuity, you can return the contract and get all your money back.

The Department also encourages consumers to discuss any changes to a financial plan with a trusted advisor or family member before altering investments.  Access the Department's Consumer Alert, "Think Twice about Replacing Annuities" and the Consumer's Guide to Annuities to assist in your decision-making process.

Consumers with questions may call the department's toll-free, automated consumer hotline at (877) 881-6388, or contact any of its Bureau of Consumer Services' regional offices: (717) 787-2317, Harrisburg; (215) 560-2630, Philadelphia; or (412) 565-5020, Pittsburgh.

Yield to Pedestrians – It's the Law

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks will soon be dressed in holiday cheer, translating into an increase in the numbers of pedestrians shopping, visiting friends and family, and enjoying seasonal festivities.  The intense glare from the sun on the horizon during rush hour combined with the long shadows of late autumn hampering visibility finds the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommending motorists obey the law and exercise care to avoid pedestrian collisions.

When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.  Pedestrian channelizing devices are being placed in the approach of painted crosswalks and on the centerline of roadways due to the increasingly complex driving environment within the curbs and the fact that post-mounted signs may go unobserved as motorists focus all of their attention in the street from curb to curb.

However, pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute a hazard.  Consult PennDOT's webpage devoted to Pedestrian Safety for Older Adults for tips on being a responsible walker, remaining aware at busy intersections, and how to be safe when crossing somewhere other than at a light.

Don't forget the kids — PennDOT has developed pedestrian safety resources targeting children.  Click on Safety for Children to access a safety search puzzle, the walk smart secret message, a rules of the road worksheet, and a word search, along with coloring opportunities on the safety pages.

CDC Expands Coughing Recommendations

If a cold or flu finds you coughing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately disposing of the used tissue.  However, when a tissue is not at hand, the CDC recommends you cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve and elbow.

Coughing and sneezing, along with unclean hands, contribute to the spread of germs.  The CDC recommends cleaning your hands after coughing or sneezing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.  Elementary school students using proper hand hygiene lost an average of 2.42 days of school per year while students not using proper hand hygiene lost an average of 3.02 days.

Five additional recommendations from the CDC include: 

1. Avoid close contact.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.  You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Clean your hands.  Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.  Wash long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. Practice other good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Find answers to your questions concerning colds and seasonal influenza on the CDC website. 

PA Liquor Control Board Enhances Flow of Licensee Information

Annually, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) receives hundreds of requests for licensee information.  The calls come from the media, the alcohol industry, civic groups, and other Pennsylvanians, according to the PLCB.

In response, an online database of more than 17,000 restaurants, taverns, beer distributors, and other businesses licensed by the Commonwealth to serve, sell, or distribute alcoholic beverages is being launched to ease the flow of public information and continue the Board's efforts to make the agency more consumer-oriented.  The contents include corporate partners, date of licensure, license status, and any history of adjudication citations for Liquor Code violations.

Begin by reading the Disclaimer and related information, then launch the PLCB Licensee Search System.  Searches may be conducted by county, street address, or owner.  A clickable map is also available to connect you to the licensee list by county.  The online HELP section is available to guide new users through the search process.

The PLCB retains all rights to the information provided.  Contents are not available for any commercial purpose or profit, including but not limited to advertisement or product endorsement.  Reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Media calls may be directed to the PLCB Press Office at 717-783-8864 for assistance with database searches.  Licensees or other members of the public may contact the Bureau of Licensing at 717-783-8250.