HEATING ASSISTANCE

Energy Services for Florence County has been selected as the new organization for administering the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) throughout Florence County.  There are two simple ways to apply for WHEAP energy assistance.  Call 800-506-5596 or 715-609-2274 for questions, to schedule an appointment or complete a WHEAP application by phone and you may now also apply online at HEAT.HELP.  If you are worried about how you will pay to heat your home this winter, make the call or complete the online application to find out if you qualify for WHEAP assistance

PIPELINE PURPOSE AND RELIABILITY

Pipelines are the safest and most efficient means of transporting natural gas and petroleum products, according to National Transportation Safety Board statistics. The federal government sets minimum safety standards for all pipelines.  The federal government also makes and enforces rules for interstate gas pipelines.  However in Wisconsin, the Public Service Commission (PSC) makes and enforces rules for intrastate (within our state) pipelines.  State and federal engineers work together to achieve the goal of public safety.  The PSC’s safety program uses a team of engineers.  These engineers spend months in training on gas pipeline safety.  They advise gas pipeline operators about gas safety and inspect the gas system and company records.  They monitor pipeline construction, operations and maintenance activities.  If it is not exactly right, they make sure it’s corrected.  Their job is to keep the public safe by enforcing the pipeline safety code.  Additional roles of the pipeline safety engineer include: responding to customer complaints; conducting field inspections; complete a comprehensive inspection of every gas utility at least once every three years; review all gas utility’s maintenance records every year; review all gas utility construction standards for compliance with applicable safety standards; work with the US Department of Transportation on interstate pipeline projects in Wisconsin; make unscheduled inspections of utility construction projects; and advise gas operators about pipeline safety.  The Florence Utility Commission prides itself on the safe operation of its natural gas delivery system.  Additional information regarding natural gas pipeline safety in Wisconsin can be found at http://psc.wi.gov   

OUTDOOR DECORATION SAFETY TIPS

Take steps to protect your home and family from electrical and fire hazards related to outdoor holiday decorations with these quick tips from ESFI:

• Make sure all extension cords and electrical decorations used for outdoor decorating are marked for outdoor use.
• Match power needs (amperage) of electrical products with amperage rating of extension cords.
• Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).  If circuits are not GFCI-protected, portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold and require no special knowledge or equipment to install.
• Inspect all lights, decorations, and extension cords for damage before using.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, the house, or other firm supports to protect them from wind damage, but take care not to attach the lights in a way that could damage the cord’s insulation.
• Keep all extension cords and light strings clear of snow and standing water.
• Make sure spotlights used to illuminate decorations are well-ventilated, protected from weather, and a safe distance from flammable items.
• Use wooden or fiberglass ladders when decorating outdoors.  Metal ladders conduct electricity.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or electrical devices. They can overheat and cause a fire.
• Make sure that cords are not pinched in doors, windows, or under heavy furniture, which could damage the cord’s insulation.
• Do not mount or support light strings in a way that might damage the cord’s insulation.
• Always unplug electrical decorations before replacing bulbs or fuses.
• Turn off all indoor and outdoor electrical decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.

Source: http://www.esfi.org