JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio -- Crews are working nonstop to restore electricity Friday to hundreds of customers left without service after high winds downed power lines.

The Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency activated several shelters on Thursday for those without power. Residents who are without power and can go to one of the following locations:

Jefferson County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 81 Talboit Drive or Wintersville Fire Department (if needed.)

-Bergholz Fire Department 740-768-3003

-Brilliant Community Center

-Wells Township Community Center

Most residents were without power since early Wednesday afternoon, when high winds moved through the area. No other counties have set up shelters at this point.

American Electric Power released its latest outage numbers and estimated total restoration times:

-In Harrison County, there are more than 200 customers without power. Residents should have power back on by Friday afternoon.

-In Marshall County, there are more than 100 customers without power. Residents should have power back on by Friday afternoon.

AEP spokeswoman Carmen Prati-Miller said crews focus first on power lines that have sparked, then move on to areas with the highest concentration of outages. In some rural areas in Guernsey, Ohio, and Marshall counties, she said power might not be restored until Friday afternoon.

"We have a lot of outside crews in to help us. I think we have about 70 extra warm bodies here assisting us today in addition to all of our local employees. It's all-hands-on-deck and we're all working very hard to get power restored as quickly and as safely as possible," Prati-Miller said.

In Jefferson County, Miller said transmission issues accounted for so many power outages. She said high-voltage power lines were affected, which in turn affected large numbers of customers. She also said another reason why it takes a while to restore power is because storm conditions can prevent crews from safely doing their jobs.

In West Virginia, Allegheny Power representatives said less than fire customers were without power in Hancock County and more than 10 in Wetzel County. Crews are working to get electricity back on as soon as possible.

The power outages also forced some Steubenville businesses along Sunset Boulevard -- like McDonald's and gas stations to close Thursday morning. In the meantime, some residents without power headed out of their homes and went elsewhere to keep warm.

"We'll probably get a hotel room tonight if the power stays off," said John Denholm.

Others like Don Materniak are weathering the cold at home. Materniak had two fireplaces going strong Thursday morning, and said in times like these, you have to get creative.

"It is definitely an inconvenience but if it's only going to last one day, I would definitely call it an adventure," said Materniak.

As residents cope with the lack of power, health officials said to take precautions with refrigerated foods.

Tony Pasquarella director of environmental health for Jefferson County, said don't open the refrigerator door unless necessary and put meat products in the freezer where they will stay fresh for eight to 10 hours.

Pasquarella said, after about four hours without power, foods like milk products and eggs should be discarded. He said foods that are highly processed and filled with preservatives, like Egg Beaters, may keep longer.

He said people can put some of their refrigerated food outside to keep cold, but he said that might attract wild animals.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage as updates become available.