10 Tips for Surviving the Snow's Aftermath
Much of Bethlehem remains without electricity; here are some things you should know to get by.
There were downed tree limbs throughout Bethlehem as a result of Saturday's early season snowstorm, which caused widespread power outages.
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- About 16,000 customers in Bethlehem and Bethlehem Township were still without power as of 1:18 p.m., according to PPL Electric Utilties. Nearly 89,000 PPL customers across the Lehigh Valley remained without electricity.
- PPL says power restoration for all of its customers could take until Thursday, though many customers will be restored well before then. The power company has urged the elderly and families with infants to consider making alternative living arrangements. If you have elderly neighbors or relatives, it might be a good idea to check on their wellbeing.
- Affected areas of the city are widespread and scattered. In downtown Bethlehem, for example, the south side of Main Street is without power, while the north side has power.
- Much of South Bethlehem, including almost all of the Lehigh University campus, has no electricity. Classes have been cancelled for today and Tuesday. Students who have not returned home are being houses in emergency shelters with power.
- City emergency services, in cooperation with the counties and the Bethlehem Area School District has opened two warming shelters, one at Calypso Elementary School on Calypso Avenue between Ninth and 10th avenues on the city’s west side. The other at the Fowler Family SouthSide Center on E. Third Street. The warming centers provides a place for people without electricity to go for heat and shelter. Please bring your own supplies (blankets, pillows, any needed medical supplies and any food that you may need).
- Many signaled intersections throughout the city are without power and traffic lights. Bethlehem police remind motorists that these intersections should be treated as four-way stop signs. Stop at every one of them.
- Bethlehem police are providing traffic control at the Five-Points intersection in South Bethlehem, which is in one of the affected areas. The city is currently making an attempt at using generators and power inverters to provide electricity to the signals along Broadway and Route 378. Drive with caution.
- Free water and ice to customers lacking electricity is being offered by PPL at the Weis at the Westgate Mall and the Supermercado Mi Tierra at 226 E. Third St. in the city. Just beyond the city limits, there is also the Weis at 5580 Crawford Dr., the Pathmark at Saucon Valley Square and the Redner’s in the Airport Road Shopping Center.
- Bethlehem Area public schools were closed today. There is no word yet on Tuesday if the widespread power outages linger.
- The Bethlehem Brew Works on Main Street is likely one of many businesses in the city that have been closed because it currently does not have power. Similarly, the Banana Factory has cancelled all of its classes for today. If you have plans, check with the appropriate venue to determine whether the establishment you are going to is open.
Do you have any tips to share with your neighbors on riding out the power outage?
Tell us in the comments.
In This article
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Lehigh University
19 Memorial Dr W, Bethlehem, PA -
Calypso Elementary School
1021 Calypso Ave, Bethlehem, PA -
Bethlehem Police Department
10 E Church St, Bethlehem, PA -
Weis Market
2305 Schoenersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA -
Supermercado Mi Tierra
226 E 3rd St, Bethlehem, PA -
Weis Markets
5580 Crawford Dr, Bethlehem, PA
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Bethlehem Area School District Education Center
1516 Sycamore St, Bethlehem, PA -
Bethlehem Brew Works
569 Main St, Bethlehem, PA -
Banana Factory Gallery Shoppe
25 W 3rd St, Bethlehem, PA -
Northampton Community College, Fowler Family Southside Center
511 E 3rd St, Bethlehem, PA
Daryl Nerl
4:38 pm on Monday, October 31, 2011
The city has added a new warming center in South Bethlehem at the Fowler Family SouthSide Center on E. Third Street.
Michael Fegley
10:48 am on Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Bethlehem Brew Works is NOW OPEN! Serving Apptizers, Salads and Wraps for Lunch today, adding items gradually through 4pm. By 4pm the FULL MENU will be available. Beer is flowing just fine too!