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News You Can Use

September 7, 2007

Smooth Operator Crackdown Extended

The 2007 Smooth Operator law enforcement program, including DUI checkpoints and roving patrols, will continue through Saturday, September 15.  Aggressive driving, in particular speeding and tailgating, are among behaviors law enforcement will target through mid-September.  Motorists are encouraged by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to also wear seat belts, restrict cell phone use, allow extra time for travel, and never drink and drive. 

Pennsylvania State Police are joined by 150 municipal police departments for the fourth wave of Smooth Operator.  Compared to the 2006 Labor Day holiday, the same period this year witnessed a 53% increase over the 5,774 speeding citations issued by troopers, with over 8,800 speeding citations issued this year.  There was also a significant decrease in the number of alcohol-related crashes, from 190 last year, down to 82 this year. 

PSP Smooth Operator announcement.
PennDOT Joins PSP in Announcing September 2007 Motorist Safety Effort.

PA Adds Online Claim Filing Service for Crime Victims 

Crime victims will find it easier to file compensation claims online as Pennsylvania becomes the first state in the country to launch a fully-automated, online, claim-filing service, according to the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD).  The agency recognizes compensation will not erase the crime's occurrence for the victim but can help to begin the healing and recovery process.  

The program reimburses victims for costs related to things such as medical bills, funerals, travel, stolen cash, and crime scene cleanups.  It processed 7,600 claims and paid out $12.8 million to crime victims and their families in the last fiscal year. 

Financial help for crime victims, funding for victim service programs, training, and related information are provided by the Victim's Compensation Assistance Program of PCCD.  Click here for critical resources including Frequently Asked Questions and the Online Claim Filing System among others. 

School Buses & Students Return to the Road 

September's unofficial end of summer finds students once again packed into shiny yellow buses headed down our highways, streets, and back roads.  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is issuing reminders to the motoring public to be alert for school buses and children on their way to and from school. 

Refresh your driving knowledge of Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law:   

• When you meet or overtake a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. 
• When you approach an intersection where a school bus is stopped with red signal lights flashing and stop arm extended, you MUST STOP. 
• You MUST STOP at least ten (10) feet away from a school bus. 
• You MUST WAIT until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been withdrawn before moving. 
• DO NOT MOVE until all the children have reached a place of safety. 

In addition to a review of procedures for encountering a bus, motorists are reminded to watch for children darting into the street, from between parked cars, walking, and riding bikes to school. 

Recommendations for students include: 

• Arrive 5 minutes early at the bus stop to avoid running across the street to catch the bus. 
• Stay at least 5 steps away from the curb or roadway to avoid traffic when waiting for a school bus. 
• Wait for the driver's signal before crossing in front of the bus and look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT to see that all cars are stopped. 
• Avoid the "school bus danger zone" by staying at least 10 giant steps away from the bus on all sides allowing the bus driver to see you.  Do not move close to or under the bus for a dropped item; talk to the driver before the item is retrieved.  
• Never walk behind the school bus. 
• Secure all drawstrings and other loose objects before getting on and off a school bus to avoid getting caught on handrails or doors. 
• Talk quietly on the bus so the driver is not distracted. 
• Remain seated at all times and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before exiting.

Print a copy of the fact sheet, "Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law" with photos illustrating where vehicles must stop when encountering a school bus under specific conditions, to share with family and friends.  Penalties for violating PA's School Bus Stopping Law include license suspension, points on your driving record, and a fine.

Home Heating Oil Tips

Don't wait until the nights begin to turn cold to prepare for winter.  Do your homework now on area fuel oil suppliers and have your heating system checked by a professional, to stay warm and conserve on your annual heating budget.   

Contract your fuel oil delivery with a competitive supplier, after seeking out prices from at least three fuel oil suppliers.  According to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, you should ask about extra charges for out-of-the-area delivery and fuel surcharges for deliveries on weekends, emergencies, and in inclement weather.   

The Attorney General recommends against making agreements for the servicing of an oil furnace that in turn require the purchase of oil from the same company.  It is difficult to shop for the best fuel prices if you agree to use the same company for service and oil supply. 

Find tips for selecting an oil supplier, maintaining your heating system, and exercising your consumer rights.  If you or someone you know is seeking financial assistance in paying heating bills, the Pennsylvania Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered by the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) can help both homeowners and renters.  For more on Energy Assistance click here and review the LIHEAP Brochure.  Consult the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website to find your way to health and social services in Pennsylvania.

September is National Preparedness Month  

Throughout the country, September marks National Preparedness Month.  The campaign is intended to prepare you in the event of a natural or manmade disaster, according to the PA Emergency Management Agency.  

Pennsylvania's participation in the annual campaign focuses on four key components of preparedness.  Key steps for surviving a disaster include: 

1. Prepare to care for yourself and your family for a minimum of 72 hours after an emergency
2. Develop a communication plan with loved ones
3. Understand when to evacuate/stay in your home or other building
4. Prepare a disaster kit with essential supplies for every person and pet living or working with you

The PA Emergency Preparedness Guide can help you achieve your goals for safeguarding your family.  Find the basics for distinguishing between watches, warnings, and knowing when to seek shelter.  Print lists for preparing emergency or disaster kits.  Collect and maintain critical phone numbers and contact information.  Review steps for maneuvering around your home in the aftermath of a disaster.

Each week of National Preparedness Month focuses on a different area of preparedness. 

September 1-8; Back-to-School (Ready Kids)
September 9-15; Business preparedness (Ready Business)
September 16-22; Multicultural preparedness (Listo)
September 23-30; Home and family preparedness, including pets, older Americans and individuals with disabilities and special needs (Ready America)

Drought Watch Continues in 32 PA Counties 

Recent rainfall was sufficient for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ((DEP) to remove 26 counties from the drought watch list.  Thirty-two others continue under a 5% voluntary reduction in non-essential water use.  

DEP offers the following tips for conserving water in and around your home: 

Bathroom:
Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets
Check for household leaks—a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day
Take short showers instead of baths 

Kitchen/Laundry:
Replace older washers with high efficiency, front loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40-50 percent less energy
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
Keep water in the refrigerator to avoid running water from a faucet until it is cold 

Outdoors:
Water outdoors in the early morning or evening hours to cut down on evaporation
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks
Use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems to reduce water use by 20-50 percent
Cover swimming pools to prevent evaporation 

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