Westmoreland Co. Prepares For Snow
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) - Emergency workers are busier than usual, especially with accident calls. However, this weather causes other concerns for them as well.
In the eastern part of southwestern Pennsylvania, Monday has been relatively quiet. But, PennDOT is ready with two to four inches of snow coming our way.
Its 68 trucks are poised to handle whatever problems there are on Westmoreland County's 1,200 miles of state roads.
"I think what we need to be concerned about is the wind and the frigid temperatures," Dan Stevens with Westmoreland County 911 said. "We're not worried about any municipalities not being able to salt their roads."
With temperatures dipping into the teens and single digits, there's a worry with how families are trying to keep warm.
"With the economy the way it is, how some people are heating their homes," Stevens said.
Ken Meighan tries not to use his gas furnace if possible. With his wood burner and his pellet stove, it is toasty inside.
"We just dump pellets in there and turn it on, and it will run all night. Very safe," Meighan said.
He has had all of the maintenance done on both stoves. His firewood is stacked, as are the 40-pound bags of pellets.
"My biggest concern would be my wife driving to Pittsburgh every day," Meighan said.
He admits that last winter was a trial for a city guy. Originally from Turtle Creek, he has learned how to deal with it.
"Make sure we have a lot of food, and the right clothing and enjoy it," Meighan said. "Have you ever seen anybody using a trampoline in the winter time? Come on out here."
Some schools in Westmoreland County had two-hour delays Monday because of the cold temperatures.
As we get into the evening hours, the wind and the cold will become more worrisome, because the winds and the drifting snow will be going over the roads.
It's also important to keep in mind that when temperatures go below 20 degrees, the 20,000 tons of salt they have on hand will not be of much help.
This is also the time of the year to check on your neighbors and especially the elderly.
