Western North Carolina residents are urged to prepare for a winter storm expected to impact the region, as the governor has declared a new State of Emergency for North Carolina. The declaration aims to ensure the state can access federal assistance if needed and activates the State Emergency Response Team. fI federal assistance is needed to respond or recover from this winter weather event and to activate the State Emergency Response Team ahead of the storm’s arrival on Saturday morning.
State Preparations and Resources
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has begun pre-treating roads with brine and has resources available. The department reports having enough salt in storage for multiple storms, and more than 2,000 DOT employees are scheduled to work around the clock. Additionally, the state has 95 National Guard force packages on standby to assist with clearing roadways. Twenty-one counties are opening warming stations.
Safety Tips for Residents
State officials recommend that residents avoid travel until road conditions improve, as emergency service response times may be longer. Staying indoors and limiting outdoor activities is advised. Residents should keep cell phones and mobile devices charged and use NOAA weather radios or weather alert apps for updates. If travel is necessary, vehicles should be equipped with emergency kits including scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, and first-aid kits. Checking on neighbors, friends, and elderly residents is also encouraged. Ensure generators and heating sources are operated safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area.
Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged.
Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
Store an emergency kit in your vehicle if you must travel. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.
Gather emergency supplies for your pet, including leash and care supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier.
Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
Look out for your friends, neighbors, and the elderly during winter weather.
If your power goes out:
Ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
Properly vent kerosene heaters.
Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.
Available Resources
For real-time travel information, residents can visit DriveNC.gov. Additional resources and preparedness information are available at ReadyNC.gov.
WNCTimes