Sentinel photo by ANDREA NAGEL
Store shelves in local grocery stores began to run bare on Thursday as residents began stocking up on essentials for Saturday’s impending storm.

LEWISTOWN — With a major winter storm expected to bring prolonged cold, heavy snow and hazardous travel conditions to central Pennsylvania, emergency officials in Mifflin and Juniata counties are urging residents to prepare in advance and to know when and how to seek help if conditions worsen.

Officials said the most important steps residents can take happen before the first snow falls.

“The No. 1 thing is, if people have anything they need from the store, get it before Saturday evening,” said Josh Pennepacker, Mifflin County’s 911 manager. “That way they’re prepared and don’t have to leave their house and travel in the storm.”

Emergency management officials recommend residents stock up on essential items such as food, water, medications and household supplies. Residents should also charge cellphones and medical devices, fuel vehicles and generators, check heating systems and bring pets indoors. Warm blankets and backup heat sources should be ready in case power is disrupted.

In Juniata County, emergency officials echoed those recommendations, emphasizing common-sense preparation over panic.

“It never hurts to have extra provisions in the house,” said Bill Hummel, Juniata County’s emergency management coordinator. “Extra food, water, warm blankets and a good, reliable heat source. Just think about what would make you comfortable if you had to stay inside for 24 hours or longer.”

Hummel noted that while snowfall totals remain uncertain, the storm could still create anxiety, particularly for older residents or those with limited mobility.

“It’s not unrealistic that some people stay inside their house for 24 hours or longer without leaving,” Hummel said. “This could be another case where that happens.”

Officials stressed understanding what constitutes an emergency is critical during winter storms. Medical emergencies should always be reported by calling 911. Situations involving loss of heat, prolonged power outages or concerns about vulnerable residents should also be reported promptly so help can be arranged before conditions become dangerous.

“If someone loses heat or power, they need to call right away,” Pennepacker said. “That way we can get them help and, if they need to leave the residence, we can get that set up before it gets too cold in the house.”

Pennepacker said residents can report non-life-threatening situations by calling the Mifflin County nonemergency number at 717-248-9607. Power outages should also be reported directly to utility companies.

If heat or power is lost, officials urged residents to prioritize safety. Portable generators should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces, and alternative heating sources must be properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Residents should not wait until conditions inside their homes become unsafe before asking for help.

UGI urged residents to take extra precautions during the storm, reminding customers never to use a gas range or oven to heat a home and never to operate a generator indoors, including in a garage or basement.

UGI also recommended having carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and keeping fresh batteries on hand. Customers can report outages or service issues by calling UGI at 800-276-2722. If residents smell the rotten egg odor associated with natural gas, UGI advises evacuating immediately and moving at least a football field away before calling UGI or 911.

Both counties have plans to provide relief from the cold if conditions warrant. While there is no fixed list of warming centers, officials said local fire companies often serve as warming locations during prolonged outages or extreme cold.

“In most cases, your local fire company is going to be your warming shelter,” Hummel said. “We don’t have a formal list, but from experience, the people at the fire companies are more than willing to help.”

In Mifflin County, Pennepacker said many fire departments are expected to staff their stations during the storm.

“If it comes down to that, people can call the nonemergency number to see if any warming shelters are open, or keep an eye on the Mifflin County 911 Facebook page for storm-related information,” he said.

Emergency officials said certain populations are especially vulnerable during prolonged winter storms, including elderly residents, people with disabilities, those who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, families with infants and people without stable housing.

“The elderly are No. 1,” Pennepacker said.

Hummel encouraged neighbors, friends and family members to check on older residents, particularly if phones go unanswered or conditions appear concerning.

“If it doesn’t look right or the phones are down, walk over and knock on the door,” Hummel said. “That kind of neighborly check can provide a lot of peace of mind.”

Officials emphasized residents should stay informed throughout the storm and follow guidance from local authorities.

“Use common sense, don’t panic, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help,” Hummel said. “There are always people out there who are willing to help.”