Officials Remind Chester County Residents About Shelter, Resources Available While Power Outages Persist
By Hadas Kuznits
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Emergency management crews in Chester County are encouraging folks without power to keep themselves safe while power outages persist.
Glenn Cannon, Director of Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, wants folks to know that they opened a mega shelter at West Chester University. It's located at 850 South New Street and can house 1,300 people.
"There were so many being sheltered in Chester County that's why we got the request from the county. The local shelters were all full and this will allow some of the smaller shelters to close," Cannon said.
Secretary of Public Welfare Bed Macerit says the shelter is pet friendly. "Whatever the barrier is, don't let it be a barrier. Take care of yourself and at least give it a chance and see."
Judge Renée Cardwell Hughes, CEO of the American Red Cross, warns some outages may last a while and the cold can be extremely dangerous.
"Hypothermia can set in less than 5 minutes; the shelter is warm and safe," she said.