Saturday, October 29, 2011 Please read the following press release from the County of Berks:
 
At this time, electrical outages are affecting large portions of Berks County. The electric distribution system has suffered wide spread damage. Local electric utilities estimate that service restoration times could be multiple days for some customers

At the request of Berks County DES, the Berks County Chapter of the American Red Cross will be opening a shelter at 830 PM today. This shelter wi...ll be open until census in the shelter dictates that the personnel and facility investment is not needed. Animals are not permitted in Red Cross shelters. Individuals seeking shelter should try to make arrangements for their pets. For those not able to do so, the Humane Society of Berks County will be on hand to take temporary custody of the animals.

The shelter will be located at:

Reading High School, 13th & Windsor Streets, Reading

Food will be available, and cots will be offered for those requiring overnight accommodations. Persons reporting to the shelters should bring a pillow, blanket, and personal items like toiletries. The shelter will be open and ready to receive persons at 830 PM.

The 911 center continues to receive a large volume of calls. Residents are reminded, that unless there is smoke, fire, or arcing visible, wires down should be reported to the local electric utilities not 911.

911 operators have no information regarding when the utilities will have power restored.