Governor Steve Beshear’s Communications Office
Kentuckians facing heating crisis may apply for funds through March 31
FRANKFORT, Ky. – January 19, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Kentuckians reeling from near-record low temperatures this week are reminded that assistance is available to families in need of help paying their heating bills.
The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a short-term aid program that is now in its “crisis” phase. Assistance during this component helps families facing home heating emergencies.
Community Action Kentucky (CAK) administers LIHEAP benefits through its network of 23 community action agencies (CAAs) under a contract with the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Every county has at least one CAA office.
“LIHEAP funds save lives and energize Kentucky during the colder months,” Gov. Steve Beshear said. “Along with local charities and advocacy centers, this program helps significantly to keep families warm every winter.”
The crisis component runs through March 31 or until funds are depleted.
In the crisis assistance phase, maximum benefits vary depending on families’ fuel source.
More than 49,500 applications have been approved for crisis assistance so far.
Assistance may take the form of utility payment, service reconnection, blankets, space heaters on loan or deliveries of fuel like firewood, coal or propane. Relief is provided within 48 hours, or 18 hours in an emergency.
CAAs are accepting applications for LIHEAP assistance. Log on to http://kaca.org/ for a listing of local offices.
Eligible clients must be within four days of exhausting fuel or have received a disconnect/past due notice from their utility company. Applicants should bring the following items:
- Most recent heating bill or verification that heating expenses are included in the rent;
- Social Security Numbers or Permanent Residence Card Number for each member for the household; and
- Proof of all household income from the preceding month.
Applicants whose rent includes heat must bring an eviction notice from the landlord.
Kentucky received more than $68 million in federal funds this fiscal year, more than double the anticipated $30 million Kentucky was to receive.
Many families avoided a heating crisis by seeking help during LIHEAP’s “subsidy” phase at the end of 2008. During the two-month subsidy period, 119,326 applications for subsidy were approved.
Learn more about LIHEAP online at http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/LIHEAP.htm.
Heat Homes Safely
Families should also be mindful of safety when heating their homes. Preparation and maintenance can save lives by preventing or providing early warning of a house fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December, January and February are the leading months for home fires. Home heating fires are preventable with proper maintenance and preventive measures.
No matter the home heating system, families should always make sure they have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Low-income Kentuckians can get help heating their homes safely and more efficiently from the state Weatherization Program, which aims to reduce utility costs and consumption through energy-saving repairs.
For more information about and eligibility requirements for the Weatherization Program, log onto http://chfs.ky.gov/dcbs/dfs/Weatherization.htm.
Home Heating Tips
The National Fire Protection Association suggests these tips for home heating safety:
- Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable heater.
- Only use heating equipment that is labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.
- Never use your oven for heating.
- Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
- Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
- Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- For fuel-burning space heaters, always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room and burn only dry, seasoned wood. Allow ashes to cool before disposing in a metal container, which is kept a safe distance from the home.
- For wood-burning stoves, install chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
- Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
- If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. Call a gas service person immediately.
- Test smoke alarms at least monthly.
Contact:
Jay Blanton
Jill Midkiff
502-564-2611
