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From Mirror staff reports
With high winds and frigid temperatures forecast for Christmas weekend, residents are urged to check on their elderly neighbors, make sure any outdoor animals have shelter and fresh, ice-free water and use caution while driving, as there have been several reports of trees down across roadways.
In addition, multiple power outages have been reported across the state. According to the FirstEnergy Corp. website, parent company of Penelec, more than 30,000 customers across Pennsylvania were without power by 3:30 p.m. Friday, including 793 in Blair County. Other local areas affected by outages were Bedford, 538 customers; Cambria, 3,060; Centre, 137; Clearfield, 804; and Huntingdon, 9. The map of outages updates every 15 minutes and can be found at outages.firstenergycorp.com/pa.html.
Blair County emergency management director Mark Taylor said that while there are no warming shelters currently set up, that could change. Those centers would be set up by individual municipalities when needed, he said.
Anyone in need of a warm place to go should call the Blair County non-emergency number at 814-940-5910.
Taylor said the 911 Center had a high call volume Friday because a lot of downed trees and wires were reported.
He urged residents to be extra careful while taking part in Christmas festivities this weekend.
"If you don't have to be out, stay indoors," Taylor said, adding that residents should also use caution when using alternative heat sources, such as space heaters.
For those traveling, Taylor said "make sure your phone is charged and your car has a full tank of gas."