Many Warming Centers Open As Temperatures Drop

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) --The frigid temperatures have local municipalities taking extra precautions to protect residents.

Many towns and boroughs have opened warming shelters for those in need.

Linda Cosgrove is in charge of the shelter at the Dravosburg Volunteer Fire Department.

She told KDKA's Kym Gable she can't remember a weather emergency being so wide-spread.

"Maybe not to this scope," she said. "It's pretty hard-hit across the whole area."

For first responders like police, medics and firefighters, these conditions call for more urgent action and preparations.

The fire department's chief, Wayne Cosgrove, said, "When you're dealing with temperatures that are sub-zero, it takes minutes for frostbite to set in. Hypothermia – for patients who may be trapped in a car or whatever the situation may be."