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PEOPLES REMINDS CUSTOMERS TO CHECK I . D .
Peoples Natural Gas is reminding customers to always ask for identification when considering allowing a serviceperson or utility representative into your home or business . Peoples requires all of its customer service employees to wear photo identification .
All Peoples employees carry an ID card with their name , photo and the Peoples logo . Also , look for a vehicle with the Peoples logo . Please call the Peoples Customer Service department at 1.800.764.0111 if you have any questions or concerns , or to confirm an employee ’ s identity .
The following tips on how to answer your door safely come from Carewatch UK :
• Legitimate company representatives usually pre-arrange an appointment and will carry photographic identification .
• Always ask to see identification before you open the door , and never be afraid to ask someone to wait while you call to check before letting anyone into the house .
• Never use a telephone number provided by the person at your door — this could connect to an accomplice . Always look up the number yourself . If you are unable to do this , don ’ t let him / her in .
• If the person becomes agitated or tries to hurry you , don ’ t let him / her in .
• “ Distraction burglars ” often work in pairs . Don ’ t let them in if you don ’ t know who they are , as one might distract you while the other one steals from your home .
• If you can , install a door chain so that you can have it latched before opening the door .
• If you have a front door spy hole , use this to see who is there . Otherwise , use a nearby window .
• If you are unable to do any of the above , talk to the person through the door without opening it , and ask to see ID or to pass it through the letter slot .
• Make sure that you lock your back door before answering the front door to someone you don ’ t know .
• If you have a mobile or cordless telephone , take it to the door with you so that you can call emergency services quickly .
Peoples cares about your safety . If you are ever in doubt , don ’ t let a stranger into your home . Telephone local authorities immediately and notify your neighbors as soon as possible .
HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES TIPS FOR PREVENTING LYME DISEASE
The Allegheny County Health Department ( ACHD ) urges people to dress appropriately and use repellent when in grassy or wooded areas . Individuals should also shower and check for ticks after being outside , since ticks that carry the bacteria causing Lyme disease are prevalent throughout the county .
Over the past 10 years , the number of Lyme disease reports has increased dramatically in Allegheny County . An estimated 1,285 cases were reported in 2016 , compared with 971 in 2015 and 822 in 2014 .
“ Lyme disease is both preventable and treatable ,” said Dr . Karen Hacker , Director of the Allegheny County Health Department . “ With education , residents can be more aware of ticks , and use common strategies to protect themselves and their families . It is important to know the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease , and for those with the disease to seek early treatment to avoid any potential longterm health complications .”
Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick commonly known as the deer tick or blacklegged tick . Every county in Pennsylvania has deer ticks and is reporting cases of Lyme disease .
Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics . Some people may remain untreated because early symptoms can be mild and do not always include a telltale “ bull ’ s-eye rash ” that can appear three to 30 days after the bite . If untreated , Lyme disease can lead to serious complications such as chronic arthritis and neurologic problems . An individual who believes he or she has had a tick attached for more than 24 hours or has symptoms of Lyme disease should contact his or her health care provider .
Two other diseases similar to Lyme disease transmitted by deer ticks are also known to occur in Pennsylvania – babesiosis and anaplasmosis – but , at present , are much less common than Lyme disease .
For additional information about tick control and tick-borne disease prevention , please visit www . achd . net or call the Allegheny County Health Department at 412.687 . ACHD .
EMMAUS HOLDING SPIRIT RUN 5K
On October 15 , Emmaus will host its fourth annual Spirit Run , a Halloween costume-themed chipped 5K and 1-mile fun walk to benefit the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh and its mission of providing homes and support for people with intellectual disabilities . All skill and fitness levels are welcome .
The Spirit Run is an out-and-back course along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail , followed by an awards ceremony , refreshments and family-friendly celebration in the South Shore Riverfront Park at South Side Works . Post-race activities include Halloween-themed crafts and fun with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh , pumpkin painting and more ! For more information , visit EmmausPgh . org / spiritrun . n
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