|
PA Tourism Goes Mobile Pennsylvania’s tourism technology leaps onto the screens of smartphones and other mobile devices in time for spring and summer travel, according to the PA Tourism Office. Plan your Pennsylvania travel from the comfort of your home computer at VisitPA.com; then jump on the road with your smartphone and rely on the same website to easily support your travel plans with the site now recognizing the display technology. Safely pull off the road and conveniently log on to the website. The Tourism Office has adapted its website for greater flexibility, allowing you to check back in for Things to Do, Places to Stay, Destinations, and other Trip Ideas. VisitPA.com, the state’s tourism website, witnessed a 34 percent increase in traffic last year with nearly 2 million web visitors from every U.S. state and 130,000 international visitors. For details, go to visitPA.com or call (800) VISIT PA. In addition, interested individuals can become a fan at facebook.com/visitPA, follow along with twitter.com/visitPA, share photos at flickr.com/visitPA, become a friend at foursquare.com/visitPA, or catch it on youtube.com/visitPA. Be sure to order your copy of the state’s best-of-guide, the Pennsylvania Vacation Guide, for browsing from your favorite armchair and during your travels. ---------- Pennsylvanians Sign Up for Emergency Alerts Recent weather disasters are prompting Commonwealth officials to issue a reminder of the availability of targeted emergency alerts reflecting problems on a local, regional, and statewide basis. The AlertPA emergency communication system is used by governments, emergency management agencies and first responders to send emergency alerts, notifications, and updates to a registrant’s cell phone, pager, BlackBerry, PDA and/or e-mail account. Travelers can remain up-to-date on transportation-related matters, such as accidents. Other alerts include safety, fire, weather, accidents involving utilities, team activation notifications, or disaster notification, such as a terrorist attack Consult the list of designated alerts to choose those providing details pertinent to you and your family. Review the list of Frequently Asked Questions; then sign up to have alerts sent to one, two, or all your devices. View current alerts as an example of those you may choose to receive. ---------- Turn Around Don't Drown Underestimation of the force and power of water is responsible for more deaths annually than any other thunderstorm-related hazard, according to the National Weather Service. Motorists driving around barricades and onto flooded roadways contribute to the national, 30-year average of 99 flood-related deaths annually. By comparison, lightning claims 61 lives annually, while tornadoes are linked to 54 deaths and hurricanes to an annual average of 49 deaths. Whether on foot or in a car, the NWS and safety advocates are promoting the Turn Around Don’t Drown campaign to prevent injuries and deaths due to flooding. Advocates point out that flooding can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions, and ground cover. A vehicle’s buoyancy allows it to be easily swept away by very little water, in spite of its weight. Related dangerous conditions include the displacement of boulders, toppling of trees, destruction of buildings and bridges and the creation of new channels. Floating debris can further obstruct free-flowing water and become deadly for those trapped in flood waters. ---------- Motorcycle Safety Program Revs Up for Spring and Summer Adventures No better time like the present for motorcyclists to plan to enhance their driving skills through the 2011 Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Novice and experienced riders are being encouraged to improve their safety knowledge and operating skills at one of approximately 70 locations across the Commonwealth where classes are offered from spring through autumn. The increase in three-wheeled motorcycles appearing on the highways prompted PennDOT to develop a 12-hour course, including four hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of practical riding experience. Riders must provide their own three-wheeled motorcycle and protective gear unlike the 15-hour Basic Rider Course (BRC) for which the attendee is provided a motorcycle and helmet; however, students are responsible for providing all other protective gear. Consult the top 10 Quick Tips All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles for safely sharing the roadways with bikers. ---------- Knowledgeable Boaters Are Safer Boaters Both experienced and novice powerboat and sailboat operators are being reminded to brush up on their safe boating knowledge, according to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PF&BC). Those born on or after January 1, 1982 who plan to operate a boat powered by greater than 25 horsepower motors must successfully complete a PF&BC approved boating course and receive a Boating Safety Education Certificate, valid for a lifetime. The PF&BC’s Boating Courses & Safety Certificates webpage provides links to information necessary for home study, internet, video-based, and classroom instruction. Link to the PA Basic Boating Course Fact Sheet for a course outline and contact information listed by region and county. For more information on boating in PA, call 1-888-PAFISH-1 or 1-888-723-4741. ---------- Welcome to Your Money The best defense against most consumer problems is information, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, which prompted the office to launch the website, Welcome to Your Money. More than 50,000 consumer complaints are filed annually with the AG’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Many of the complaints focus on financial issues ranging from scams and identity theft to credit and debt issues. The latest news at Welcome to Your Money cautions job-seekers about the latest in internet scams. Further, deceptive vehicle warranties are behind a lawsuit being pursued by the AG’s office as part of a multi-state investigation resulting in charges of numerous unfair and deceptive business practices. Link to the appropriate complaint form to request that the Bureau of Consumer Protection investigate your complaint. ----------
|