Eighty percent of Mainers are dependent on oil to heat their homes. Last year, the Washington Hancock Community Agency received 5,500 applications for LIHEAP, or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, funding.

According to Tim King, executive director, the agency expects to receive 6,500 applications this year. The dire prediction that many residents may face serious hardship this winter trying to keep warm and nourished requires immediate planning.

Community leaders and interested citizens in the Bucksport Bay area are encouraged to attend a forum to discuss ways to coordinate local resources to meet the needs of elders, children and adults.

The Community Action Resource Exchange, a program of the Bucksport and Orland United Methodist churches, will sponsor an Action Forum on Planning for Winter Emergencies 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 13, Jewett School Community Center, 66 Bridge St.

Topics will include sharing information and discussions about access to Maine energy resources, weatherization, energy audits for homes and businesses, resources for education and training, energy-efficient financing tools, transportation options, ways to reduce fuel consumption, and resources to ensure that neighbors are safe, secure and warm this winter.

The Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security has published seven high priority recommendations:

. Streamline existing Maine energy referral and information services into a one-stop shopping model with one point of contact through Maine 2-1-1 to provide accurate and timely energy information and assistance to the public.

. Expand weatherization to 5,000 Maine residences through distribution of “warm kits” to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills for low-income households.

. Provide a free, hands-on energy audit and weatherization training course through hundreds of volunteers and energy service providers through the community college system and other media venues.

. Use educational and outreach materials through media outlets, utilities, churches and fraternal organizations to inform people about steps they should take now to weatherize their homes before winter.

. Conduct outreach and education, provide technical expertise and facilitate energy audits for businesses while continuing energy financing programs for schools, nursing homes, municipalities and agencies.

. Expand existing alternative transportation programs such as Go Maine, provide fuel-wise tips, promote Free Fare Fridays, and implement transit-based strategies to reduce vehicle miles traveled.

. Create local teams to assess local resources and needs, create an action plan for response and ensure that neighbors help neighbors in keeping people safe, secure and warm. Promote purchase of local foods and firewood resources.

C.A.R.E., a program of the Bucksport and Orland United Methodist churches, was established as a volunteer clearinghouse to link people in need with resources in the Bucksport Bay area. For more information about the Action Forum, call 469-3085.