RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley has declared Dec. 4-10 as “Winter Weather Awareness Week” in North Carolina and is reminding citizens, businesses and schools to prepare now to stay safe and warm in debilitating cold weather. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that North Carolina will have more snow and ice this winter than experienced last year, when several storms crippled local communities.

“North Carolinians should plan ahead and prepare for a colder than normal winter,” Easley said. “People should update their family emergency plans and stock up on water, blankets, non-perishable food and other supplies now before the first ice and snow arrive.”

It is important that all citizens monitor changing weather conditions by listening carefully to local radio and television stations for storm watches or warnings. When NOAA issues a winter weather warning, the public should be prepared for possible power outages or roads made impassable by snow or ice.

If a winter storm disrupts power, citizens should have plenty of fresh batteries on hand and alternative heating sources prepared. Kerosene heaters should be properly vented and electric generators should be kept outdoors and away from any open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Burning charcoal inside also will cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

Other winter weather safety tips include:

• Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your home.
  
• If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
  
• To stay warm, wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing. You will be warmer and, as the temperature changes, you can easily remove layers to remain comfortable.
  
• If you must travel during a winter storm, store an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes warm blankets, changes of clothes, and non-perishable food and water.
  
• If driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. Driving at the regular speed limit will reduce your ability to control the car if you begin to slide. Leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.
  
• If conditions worsen and you can no longer drive safely, pull off the highway. Stay calm and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.
  
• Schools and businesses should also update their emergency plans and take inventory of emergency supplies that will be needed should inclement weather prevent students and employees from going home.

The N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and NOAA's National Weather Service work together during “Winter Weather Awareness Week” to urge residents to get prepared for possible snow or ice storms. These agencies provide information to the public about winter weather conditions. They recommend preparations and post safety tips on their web sites, which are located at www.nccrimecontrol.org and http://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah.

WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK 2005
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the National Weather Service predicts North Carolina will have more snow this winter season than last, with sleet and ice storms always possible; and

WHEREAS, the public should always monitor radio or TV broadcasts on weather conditions and be alert to severe weather and to prepare accordingly for possible power outages or impassable roads; and

WHEREAS, citizens should have family emergency plans, including enough food, water, blankets and alternative heating fuel on hand for at least three days; and

WHEREAS, the N.C. State Highway Patrol recommends that citizens avoid travel in bad weather – especially on icy roads – to keep them clear for emergency personnel, power company crews, and road crews; and

WHEREAS, schools and businesses should update their emergency plans and take inventory of emergency supplies should inclement weather prevent students and employees from going home; and

WHEREAS, in emergencies, citizens should follow recommended safety guidelines such as using flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires; properly ventilating kerosene heaters; not burning charcoal indoors and keeping electric generators outdoors and away from any open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and the National Weather Service work together to give the public the most up-to-date and accurate weather and safety information to help citizens take the proper measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from the effects of dangerous winter storms; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL F. EASLEY, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim the week of Dec. 4-10, 2005, as “Winter Weather Awareness Week” in North Carolina, and call upon our citizens and interested groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of winter weather safety.

Michael F. Easley

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SET MY HAND AND AFFIXED THE Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord two thousand and five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.