The biting cold that has locked Butler County residents in the deep freeze for a second straight day continues to be a health threat, but apparently has not caused any widespread problems.

The National Weather Service's automatic station at the Butler County Airport registered a low temperature overnight of 11 below zero at 2 a.m. with a minus 33 wind chill reading.

The lowest wind chill came in at 35 below at midnight.

Despite these readings, utility companies reported few problems.

First Energy, parent company of West Penn Power and Penn Power, said this morning there were only scattered outages in 10 locations in the county.

Central Electric Cooperative had only one outage as of this morning, but earlier dealt with about 150 members without power, according to a cooperative spokesman.

Pennsylvania American Water crews were working in Saxonburg to repair line breaks, according to a borough official.

The company could not be reached this morning for comment.

The dangerously low temperatures forced superintendents around the county to close schools today.

Grove City College closed early Monday and all day today.

Butler County Community College likewise closed early Monday and all day today.

However, offices at Slippery Rock University are open today as scheduled.

In Butler, Mayor Tom Donaldson got sworn in on Monday and then issued an order to all “nonessential” city workers to stay home today because of the cold.

Emergency officials in the county are working together with the United Way of Butler County to prevent weather-related problems associated with the exceedingly cold temperatures.

“We're just sort of coordinating, that's our role,” said Leslie Osche, executive director of the United Way of Butler County. “We are the liaison between all the various human services providers and the emergency services.”

Osche said she urged residents and others affected by the cold not to call 911 unless it is an absolute emergency. If there is a situation such as a power outage or natural gas issue or other cold-related problem that is not a life-or-death matter, those in need can call 211.

“If there are outages, depending on the number of people out of power, there may be a shelter set up by Red Cross,” Osche said. “If nothing happens that's good. We're urging people to use common sense. It's been a long time since the temperature has been this low.”

One critical need during the bone-numbing cold the region is experiencing is shelter, which is especially critical for the homeless population in the county who don't have anywhere to go and escape the possibly deadly conditions.

Amanda Feltenberger, director of services integration for Butler County Human Services, said people can seek overnight shelter at the Winter Relief Center, at 100 Center Ave., which is in its third season of operation.

“The purpose of that is to provide homeless people temporary, emergency shelter,” Feltenberger said. “It opens at 8:30 p.m. and closes at 8 a.m. and is open from Nov. 15 to March 31. It's really only an emergency service.”

Feltenberger said those who would like to reserve a spot at the center to sleep overnight need to call one of two agencies for a referral: Catholic Charities or the Center for Community Resources.

The center opened early Monday evening and was to open at 6:30 p.m. today due to the extreme cold, Feltenberger said. The center is staffed by a team of three community volunteers each night and provides a hot meal as well as a cot to sleep on.

Another resource, Feltenberger said, is Bundle Up Butler, a collaborative community program that helps provide winter clothing such as coats, hats and gloves for those who need them. The service is free and no proof of income is needed to receive clothing aid.

Those who need a place to keep warm during the day also can go to the Grapevine Center, 140 N. Elm Street, where food and hot drinks are provided. Its regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

James Russell, a peer support and outreach worker, said the center welcomes people everyday, but he expects more people to come in today because of the bitter cold. There were about 10 extra people who stayed there over the weekend. Its daily numbers usually fluctuate between 30 and 40 people.

Battery troubles

The freezing temperatures have put a strain on automobile batteries.

“We've been crazy all day,” said Doug Meredith, of Meredith Battery in Zelienople on Monday. “A lot of no-starts. It'll be the same tomorrow.”

Meredith said that at zero degrees a battery will be at only 40 percent of its power.

“If it's not fully charged, you'll have problems,” Meredith said. “People need to drive the car around to charge it. You better get out there and drive it at least 30 miles.”

“Basically, it's been busy all day,” he added. “We're going strong.”

Dennis Heatherman, a Battery Warehouse employee, said sales doubled over the weekend.

“People are preparing for the cold,” said Heatherman, who works at the store on West Cunningham Street.

He's expecting even more foot traffic today, with customers who didn't prepare in advance.

Emily Orsovay, manager at Battery Giant, said that despite the cold, the business had not seen too many customers Monday.

Orsovay said, “We're kind of new. I also think people just aren't coming out due to the weather.”

Orsovay said she recommends people regularly start their cars to charge their batteries. She also said that drivers should make sure flashlights, lanterns, or other batter-powered emergency equipment is charged and have backup batteries in case of an emergency on the road.

Monday6 a.m. 27 157 a.m. 25 13 8 a.m. 21 79 a.m. 19 610 a.m. 19 411 a.m. 19 4noon 18 31 p.m. 14 -42 p.m. 10 -53 p.m. 7 -114 p.m. 3 -175 p.m. 1 -216 p.m. 0 -207 p.m. -2 -248 p.m. -4 -259 p.m. -6 -2610 p.m. -8 -3111 p.m. -8 -28midnight -9 -35Today1 a.m. -9 -322 a.m. -11 -333 a.m. -9 -304 a.m. -9 -325 a.m. -9 -276 a.m. -9 -32