Utility Companies Prepare For Storm

PITTSBURGH — “This is probably one of the worst times to have a storm,” said Hollie Geitner, the senior communication officer for Duquesne Light.  Duquesne Light and West Penn Power said they will have crews working around the clock beginning Friday morning, which is when experts predict that the wind will be so powerful it may knock out power lines across the region leaving many stuck in the dark over the holiday weekend.  “There is always somebody working, and they will just keep working until it’s done,” said Todd Meyer, the spokesperson for West Penn Power.  But with mass power outages anticipated energy providers said it’s also important for residents to be prepared with flashlights, batteries, non-perishables and charged cellphones.  “Make sure that you have plenty of blankets on hand and sleeping bags. Things to keep you warm if we have a longer outage,” Meyer said.  Officials are urging people to get ready now.