Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. reminds customers to take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stress.

"Excessive heat and humidity burden the heart and other vital organs," explained John Menichini, PP&L's vice president-Customer Services. "Heat stress can be serious or even fatal, especially to older adults or people with medical conditions. We urge all customers to take appropriate precautions to prevent heat stress."

Menichini noted several ways customers can keep cool in the heat:

• Spend as much time as possible in cooler surroundings such as the coolest room in the house, an air-conditioned movie, store or senior center.
• Bathe or shower in cool water (about 75 degrees Fahrenheit) — it removes extra body heat about 25 times faster than cool air.
• Some medications can make you more vulnerable to heat stress. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Don't use fans when it's extremely hot. Instead of helping you remove extra heat, a fan that simply blows very hot air over your body can actually cause you to gain body heat.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Protect your head and neck with a hat or sun umbrella.
• Slow down and take it easy. Activity increases body heat.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals — they add body heat.
• Watch your salt intake. Check with your doctor before increasing the amount of salt or potassium in your diet. Don't take "salt tablets" without your doctor's permission.
• Drink plenty of fluids. In most cases, extra fluids in your body help fight heat stress. In some circumstances, however, medications can affect how your body responds to an abundance of fluids. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
• Avoid alcohol — it interferes with your body's fight against heat stress.

"Elderly customers who live alone are most at-risk for heat stress," Menichini said. "We encourage anyone who knows of such a customer to periodically check on that individual. PP&L meter readers and other employees who come in contact with customers also will be on the lookout for possible heat stress candidates."

He pointed out that customers sometimes increase their susceptibility to heat stress by not operating an air conditioner in order to save money.

"We are committed to the safety and well being of our customers and encourage them to use energy-efficient air-conditioning systems to cool the air," Menichini said.

For customers who have concerns about paying their electric bills, PP&L offers several payment options:

• Budget billing to even out monthly payments over 12 months.
• Payment plans based on your ability to pay.
• Extended payment for qualified Social Security or fixed-income customers.
• Double notice protection to assure that the customer and a designated third party are both notified of potential service termination.

If you would like additional information about PP&L's payment options, call 1-800-DIAL-PP&L (1-800-342-5775).