Heat Waves and You
Each year, heat waves kill more people than hurricanes, lightning, tornados, earthquakes, and floods combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Remember to stay cool, hydrated, and informed during a heat wave.
Heat stroke can lead to brain damage and death if the victim is not quickly cooled. Chronic conditions and prescription drugs may impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, creating critical conditions for the elderly. Those with disabilities and special medical needs may struggle with mobility making it imperative to alert a trusted neighbor to your situation.
Also at increased risk are overweight individuals, those with physical illnesses, and infants and children.
Individuals who work or exercise outdoors during extreme heat are susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illness during a heat wave. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of the five heat-related illnesses.
After Flooding – Safety and Recovery
Disruption of your family’s routines following flooding can be eased through preparation and knowingly anticipating possible problems when you re-enter your property, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
The first step in flood recovery begins with making the necessary calls to power down all possible sources of fire, electrocution, or explosions to re-enter your home. Four additional issues to address include:
- Cleanup – Twenty-four to forty-eight hours of home flooding causes mold growth. One cup of household laundry bleach per one gallon of water kills surface mold.
- Immunizations – Increases in communicable diseases and open wounds may occur post-flooding.
- Swiftly Flowing and Standing Flood Water – Risks range from drowning to diarrheal diseases to encounters with displaced animals, insects and reptiles.
- Chemical Hazards – Household, medical, and industrial chemicals can contaminate the environment.
Follow debris removal guidelines to safely expedite cleanup. Consult the Federal Emergency Management checklists for post-disaster cleanup recommendations.
Boating Under the Influence
Sunshine, wind, and waves usher in a beautiful day of boating unless the operator is under the influence of alcohol (BUI) p. 43, according to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
Waterways Conservation Officers report 14 individuals lost their lives in 2018 boating accidents. In at least three of those cases alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor. During the first six months of 2019, Pennsylvania witnessed the arrest of 12 individuals for BUI.
Pennsylvania’s BUI laws apply during the operation of non-powered watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, inflatable boats, and rowboats. An individual 21 years of age or older is considered over the legal limit with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. For those under 21 years of age, the legal limit is a 0.02% BAC.
Visit Pennsylvania’s “Handsomest Building”
Come in out of the summer heat and enjoy a Pennsylvania State Capitol Scavenger Hunt. Take your first glimpse of the historic Moravian mosaic tiled floor and the Coat of Arms greeting all who step through the revolving door and onto the floor of the Rotunda.
Some 400 Moravian mosaic picture tiles dot the floors of the stately Capitol and represent more than 250 artifacts, animals, birds, fish, insects, scenes, industries, and workers from Pennsylvania history. Circle the marble staircase and begin to widen your path to encompass the entire PA Capitol Rotunda and first floor hallways, being sure to checkoff each creation as you continue your search.
See the art, architecture, and history contained in the “the handsomest building” President Theodore Roosevelt ever saw. Drop by the Senate Library for the current exhibition honoring Senators and Senate Librarians who served the country during war. While planning your trip, allow for a visit to the Interactive Welcome Center and the Capitol Gift Shop.
PA Hunting Season Updates
Deer hunters gain an extra Saturday during the 2019-20 firearms season rather than delaying opening day until the Monday after Thanksgiving, according to the recent Pennsylvania Game Commission decision. With a third Saturday, firearms deer season expands to 13 days. Opening day for antlered and antlerless deer during 2019 will be Saturday, November 30 instead of Monday, December 2.
Look for a few other changes on the horizon this hunting season. Licensees will receive a complimentary, print copy of the updated Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest rather than the $6 charge levied in 2018-19 and 2017-18. Anyone preferring an online version of the Digest may still go digital.
Costs for general adult hunting licenses and furtakers licenses will remain the same at $20.90 for Pennsylvania residents. Enter one or all three lottery drawings by July 31 for archery or rifle season. The application fee for each season is $11.90 or $35.70 to apply for all three. One elk license per hunter will be issued for the 2019-20 season. Review the PGC special and add-on licenses for additional fees.
Farm Stays Popping Up in PA
Growing interest in getting back to the farm for both food and fun is evident in the growing number of Farm Stays popping up in Pennsylvania, according to VisitPA.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy more than 60 PA Farm Stay options. An Amish Farm Stay is a rare opportunity to observe a different and historical lifestyle. Seize the opportunity to “Be a Farmer for a Day” or just take in the sights and sounds of farm life.
Lodging options range from lovely 1800’s log farm houses to cozy cabins to a rustic hilltop yurt. Bed and Breakfast establishments also offer comfortable, modern cottages surrounded by nature and a 100 cow dairy farm. Those partial to alpacas enjoy their farm stay with a bedroom deck overlooking a packed pasture. From the farm to the city, VisitPA offers unique opportunities for food and fun across eleven regions of Pennsylvania.