Gov. Perdue Directs State EOC to Become Operational Saturday

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Off the Roads and Keep Warm at Home

 

RALEIGH – Gov. Bev Perdue has directed that the State Emergency Operations Center become operational Saturday at 7 a.m. to respond to and recover from the winter storm that will hit much of the state this weekend.

Over the past several days, members of the State Emergency Response Team have been preparing for the storm. State and county emergency management officials have been in close contact with each other, State Highway Patrol troopers and N.C. National Guard soldiers are on standby and transportation crews have been treating the roads with salt and brine.

Thirty National Guard Soldiers are prepared to help provide transportation to emergency or law enforcement crews if needed. They also have several generator teams on standby and are prepared to assist with other recovery missions if needed. The State Highway Patrol has placed its 1,800 troopers on alert to help assist with stranded motorists.

“The best advice for North Carolinians is to get ready for the storm and stay home this weekend,” said Secretary Reuben Young of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. “This storm will impact the entire state with snow, sleet, freezing rain or some combination. Travel will be hazardous, if not impossible, so we're asking that everyone stay off the roads.”

The National Weather Service predicts that much of the northern half of the state will get between five and 10 inches of snow. The southern part of the state may see between one and five inches of snow in addition to sleet and freezing rain. In addition, there could be wind gusts of 15 to 25 mile per hour.

“The combination of soggy ground, with heavy snow, freezing rain and wind could bring trees down and cause widespread power outages,” Young said. “The utility companies have been very responsive, but folks should be prepared with alternate heating source in case they lose power.”

Citizens are offered the following tips:

Keep alternative heating sources prepared. 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.

· Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors. · Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored. Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home. Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms. Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in. Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat. Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration. Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill. If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.

Temperatures are going to be in the teens to twenties across the state throughout Saturday and Sunday. The temperature is not expected to get above freezing until Tuesday.

Some additional items you may need to have on hand include: Battery-powered flashlight(s), a portable radio and/or TV with additional, fresh batteries for each A non-electric can opener Extra warm clothing Extra blankets or sleeping bags A first aid kit, including all essential medications

###