PA Environment Digest

It's not only the calendar that is marking the start of summer. The weather is, too. With high temperatures and humidity expected to continue through the week, the Public Utility Commission this week reminded consumers to conserve energy during days with severe heat and humidity.

-- On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods of time;

-- Keep drapes closed and shades drawn. The amount of energy required to cool your home will be considerably less;

-- Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear; and

Before a heat wave, learn the terms used by the National Weather Service:

-- Heat Warning – Life threatening heat is occurring, imminent or highly likely;

-- Heat Advisory – High and potentially dangerous values of heat are occurring, imminent or highly likely; and

-- Heat Watch – Excessive heat is possible in the next day to two.

During a heat wave, there are easy ways to stay healthy and safe:

-- Older adults and people with chronic health problems should stay indoors during a heat wave and in the coolest available place;

-- Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool;

-- Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages, they make the heat's effects on your body worse;

-- Strenuous activity should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day; and

-- Caution should be used when operating fans in closed rooms so as not to simulate a convection oven. Windows should be opened and a fan used to exhaust heat from the area.

Consumers can view the Summer Heat Wave fact sheet on the PUC website. For additional energy conservation tips please see the PA PowerSwitch website.

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