News You Can Use

January 26, 2007

Snows Squalls Stormin' the State

Predictions for rapidly falling temperatures and snow showers in Pennsylvania raise concerns for motorists who may quickly find themselves in an unexpected snow squall. 

Suddenly appearing during a winter marked with scant precipitation and warmer than usual temperatures, snow squalls present unique challenges and require motorists to implement special responses.  With severely impaired visibility and dangerously slick roads, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) offers a number of safety tips for reacting to a squall:

• Gradually slow down and drive at a speed that suits conditions
• Turn on your headlights
• Stay in your lane
• Increase your following distance
• Stay alert; keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient
• Reduce in-car distractions since full attention is required
• Use defroster and wipers
• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice
• During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible
• Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision
• Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely
• Always buckle up, and never drink and drive

"PennDOT's Guide to Winter" offers a glimpse into Pennsylvania's efforts to keep the state's 95,554 snow lane miles operational.  The guide focuses on what to expect from PennDOT when we are confronted with snow 0-2 inches, 2-8 inches and 8 or more, as well as its response to ice storms.  Don't forget to review the motorist's survival kit list on page 3.

For the latest road conditions on PA interstate highways, call 888-783-6783.  Out-of-state callers may dial 717-783-5186.  See PennDOT's snow squall warning.

Living Will Changes

A living will is a written statement of a patient's personal desires regarding life-sustaining treatment and other care.  Effective January 29, 2007, Pennsylvania adopts a comprehensive framework for advance health care directives and health care decision-making for incompetent patients.

Changes to Pennsylvania's living wills law were agreed to before the close of legislative business for 2006.  Senate Bill 628 received unanimous support on final passage in the Senate of PA on October 16, 2006 and was sent to the House for consideration.  The PA House of Representatives passed the measure on November 20, 2006 and it went on to be signed into law as Act 169 on November 29, 2006.

Those with a living will or considering one are urged to discuss the matter with loved ones and an attorney.  A number of resources are available to prepare you for your discussions.  The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has updated the "Advanced Directive/Living Will Form and Information" in response to the recent changes. A review of Senate Bill 628/Act 169 of 2006 is also available.

The PA Medical Society offers "Quick Facts on Act 169 – Advance Directives."

Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School 

Pennsylvania's Youth Bass Anglers Conservation School begins accepting applications February 1, 2007 for classes set for July 15-19, 2007 in Huntingdon County.  Students ages 14-17 are being encouraged to apply for the program conducted each summer by the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the Bureau of State Parks.

The course offers students an opportunity to learn about fishery biology, fisheries management, habitat improvement, boating safety, fishing skills and techniques, fish and boating law enforcement, fisheries and conservation careers and tournament angling.

See the 2007 announcement and application requirements and details on the school. 

PGC Hatches 2007 Pheasant Chick & Egg Program 

Sportsmen's organizations are encouraged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to apply for the agency's "Pheasant Chick & Egg Program."  Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2007 to participate.

The "Pheasant Chick & Egg Program" offers clubs the opportunity to involve youth in the raising of birds.  Participants learn about the food and habitat requirements of pheasants for survival in the wild.  They will also observe and learn about the chick's cycle of maturity.

The program, originating in 1929, is designed to supplement local ring-necked pheasant stockings and increase localized recreational hunting.  Groups interested in carrying on the tradition should consult the PGC website and read the recent announcement. 

Inadequate Vehicle Insurance Coverage

By now you've gotten your vehicle ready for winter.  But did you really?  One third of us have not reviewed or updated our auto insurance in the past year, leaving us with inadequate protection against winter's challenges, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.

Consumers are urged to reexamine their insurance needs with an eye to several factors, including the age of the vehicle, the need for comprehensive coverage, deductible levels, discount availability and other factors that change over time.  Pennsylvania drivers are required to carry medical benefits, bodily injury liability, and property damage liability coverage.  Drivers can address specific needs with optional coverage, including comprehensive, collision, uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage and the choice of full or limited tort.

For a refresher course on insurance coverage; answers to the most frequently asked questions, and an insurance rate comparison guide specific to the county in which you reside, view this link. 

More facts on life and health insurance, property and casualty coverage, and general insurance-related consumer tips. 

Avoiding the Norovirus

What comes on suddenly, lasts 12 to 60 hours, and is very contagious?  Answer -- the Norovirus.  Viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu outbreaks are being reported across PA and the nation. 

Alerts and reminders are being distributed by the PA Department of Health to help you avoid catching or spreading this highly contagious viral infection at home and in the workplace:    

• Frequently wash your hands, especially after using the bathroom and changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• Anyone ill with diarrhea should not prepare food for other people.  In particular, people with diarrhea should not work in restaurants, day care centers, or medical settings unless they are cleared to do so by their doctor or the local health department. 
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them. 
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting by using a bleach-based household cleaner. 
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with virus after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting (use hot water and soap). 
• Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a Norovirus Fact Sheet to help you avoid the virus. 

PA Department of Health tips.