News For Constituents

 
 

From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office

February 26, 2010

Winter Travel Tips Reminder 

The official start of spring may be just weeks away but winter conditions continue.  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is issuing a reminder -- before leaving home, consult 511PA to get a look at the latest road conditions on interstates and some limited-access highways.   

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel when conditions require PennDOT and local crews to treat and plow roads.  Those who must travel are reminded to allow plenty of space when driving near plow trucks.  Motorists attempting to pass a truck while it is plowing or spreading winter materials risk their own safety and that of the plow operator. 

Find more winter driving tips and details on how PennDOT treats winter storms on the Department's Winter Services Website.  Consult 511PA Frequently Asked Questions for details on the services available through this integrated system. 

Tips for Filing Winter Storm Damage Insurance Claims 

Homeowners hit with property damages resulting from recent winter storms are being cautioned to thoroughly read their insurance policy before taking any corrective actions, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. 

Coverage typically includes structural collapse due to the weight of snow or ice; ice dams causing gutters to drain into a home's ceilings and walls, and fallen trees.     

Scroll to the third page of the Insurance Department's publication, "Are You Ready if a Disaster Strikes?", entitled "Bad Weather: Everyone is at Risk" for four steps to ensure you do not violate the conditions of submitting a damage claim:

  • Contact your insurance company immediately to report your loss.  Follow the instructions given to you by claims personnel.
  • Ask questions, keep notes, and take photos of the damage.
  • Determine, as possible, the extent of the damage.  Separate the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the best possible order for the adjuster's examination.  If possible, protect the property from further damage. 
  • Wait for the adjuster to arrive.  Do not call anyone to repair or replace your loss without first getting instructions from your adjuster.  Your insurer's visual inspection of your loss may be necessary before repairs are undertaken. Do not throw away damaged property until your company's adjuster advises you it is safe to do so.  If your home is damaged, make only temporary repairs until a claims adjuster inspects the damage. Making permanent repairs before the adjuster's inspection could trigger a denial of your claim.  

Lastly, be careful when choosing a contractor to make repairs.  Check references before signing a contract.  Consult the Better Business Bureau and the List of Registered Contractors maintained by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.  

Clear Storm Drains – Help Prevent Flooding   

Numerous storm drains across the state are covered with debris, ice, and snow from recent storms.  Mix those conditions with rain and we have the perfect formula to trigger flooding, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). 

PEMA is encouraging residents to clear storm drains of any impediments to help prevent late winter and early spring flooding.  The Agency is also encouraging a basic level of individual preparedness to include the following items:

  • Extra drinking water
  • First-aid kit
  • Canned/non-perishable food
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Battery-powered  radio
  • Flashlight/spare batteries

Visit the Home Page of Ready PA to prepare for a flood or other disaster in three easy steps.  Click on the tabs "Be Informed, Be Prepared, and Be Involved" for guidance with identifying potential emergencies, developing an emergency plan, and creating an emergency supplies kit.   

Choose from downloadable checklists and emergency plan templates to prepare your family should it ever become necessary to face an urgent situation.  For questions or additional information, call 1-888-9-READY-PA. 

Charitable Giving Made Easy With PA Income Tax Form 

Check "Yes" on Line 35 of the PA-40 Tax Form to donate all or part of your tax refund to cancer research.  According to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, some $200,000 is contributed annually through the donation check-off on the state tax form.   

In addition to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund, contributions can be made to the Wild Resource Conservation Fund (line 31), the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (line 32), the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund (line 33), and the Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes Cure Research Fund (line 34).   

Access the list of 2009 Personal Income Tax Forms and open the PA-40 2009 PA Income Tax Return.  Taxpayers using Form PA-40 with an Overpayment reflected on line 28 are eligible to take advantage of this simple method of charitable giving.

Crime Victims Website to Offer Helpful Resources 

Crime victims, their family members, and loved ones will find helpful information and resources through a new website, Pennsylvania Crime Victims, designed and developed by the Office of Victims' Services and launched by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.   

Victims will find information about the criminal and juvenile justice system, rights and services available to crime victims, as well as information on trauma, healing and more.  Included are details on the Victims' Compensation Assistance Program, restitution, services available at the county level and PA SAVIN, the statewide victim information and notification system.  The website also includes information and resources from the Office of Victim Advocate, including where to find a victim service provider in a particular county.   

Crime victims, victim service providers, and victim advocates contributed to the content and format.  According to PCCD, the primary focus of this website is to let crime victims know they are not alone and help is available.  For additional information, call PCCD at 717-705-0888. 

Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania 

If thoughts of the beginning of Daylight Saving Time on March 14, 2010 leave you eager to linger in your backyard and enjoy the sounds of nature, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is recommending you pick up a copy of the book "Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania". 

Authored by Marcus Schneck, the book describes the most effective techniques and methods for bringing wildlife to your backyard.  The book is available through the PGC's Outdoor Shop for $9.43 to help you ready your backyard for nature's visitors. 

While visiting The Outdoor Shop online, take a peek at the numerous books authored by respected nature writers, scientists, ornithologists, ecologists, photographers, artists and others.  Find a wide selection of books ranging in price from under $5 to $24.95.   

Anyone purchasing the 484-page hard cover edition of the "Atlas of Breeding Birds in Pennsylvania", edited by Daniel W. Brauning, will also receive a complimentary copy of the books titled, "PA Wildlife - A Viewer's Guide", "Endangered & Threatened Species of PA", Susquehanna River Birding & Wildlife Trail", and "100 Years of Wildlife Conservation" for $94.34.  All proceeds from the sale of merchandise and publications bolster the Game Commission's efforts to preserve, conserve and manage Pennsylvania's wildlife resources and habitats.