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61 | P a g e October 25 LIFE THREATENING ENERGY CRISIS – A life-threatening energy crisis exists when condition(s) are present that may cause death or severe permanent damage to the health of one or more household members if energy assistance or repair or replacement of the primary heating system is not provided. Such conditions include: 1. Household is without primary heat source of electric or natural gas service, or has less than 10% of a deliverable fuel (propane, wood, coal, fuel oil) a) and has no secondary or alternate heat source, b) and the outside temperature is below 32°F. 2. The health and/or well-being of a household member who: a) Is age 60 or older; b) Is under the age of six; c) Receives a disability payment; d) Has a medical condition aggravated by extreme heat or cold that is verified by a licensed medical provider; or e) Must use a medical device that requires electricity; and would likely be endangered without the availability of their primary heat source or emergency cooling assistance which may include those who suffer more severe adverse effects from extreme temperature changes or exposure to extreme temperatures due to a medical condition. 3. Additional special circumstances are considered on case-by-case basis and determined by LIHEAP specialists at sub-contracting local sub-grantees. LIHEAP specialists are to utilize the prudent person principle when determining the type of emergency and necessary assistance to alleviate it. The above time limits do not apply in a geographic area affected by a disaster or emergency if the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determines that the disaster or emergency makes compliance with the time limits impracticable. This exception to the time limits applies when the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designates a natural disaster or if a major disaster or emergency is designated by the President under the Disaster Relief Act of 1974. The 18 and 48-hour rules apply; therefore, the Sub-grantee will need to ensure the LIHEAP recipient has a back-up heat source. If a backup heat source is not available space heaters will need to be provided. Once a backup heat source is provided, the 18/48-hour rule is satisfied. Note: The household is responsible, at its own expense, for documenting that circumstances exist which present an imminent threat to the household. The sub-grantee