RALEIGH - North Carolinians are getting ready for the first winter storm
of the season. Three to five inches of snow followed by as much as ¼
inch of freezing rain is expected in the Northern Mountains. The
Southern Mountains and Western Piedmont are likely to experience less
snow and more freezing rain, perhaps ½ inch or more. The Central and
Eastern Piedmont are likely to see a wintry mix as well with
accumulations of up to ¼ inch of ice. The Coastal Plain will probably
get some freezing rain late Wednesday, but it will be mostly just rain.
"This looks like no more than a one-day event, but people need to be
prepared for the possibility of some power outages and slick highways,"
says Bryan Beatty, Secretary of N.C. Crime Control & Public Safety.
The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) is recommending that citizens
take the following actions:
Inventory your food, water, medicine and heating supplies to
determine if you have enough to get you through 24-36 hours.
Contact your neighbors to determine if anyone else needs
supplies as well. Check on the handicapped or elderly who live near you.
The Western and Piedmont portions of North Carolina may have
accumulations of snow and/or ice by mid-day tomorrow and through
Thursday morning.
The Highway Patrol recommends that you do not travel in bad
weather - especially on icy roads - unless it's an emergency.
"We'll be monitoring the weather situation at the SERT and will take
action as necessary to protect public health and safety," said Dr. Ken
Taylor, Director of N.C. Emergency Management. "People should make the
necessary preparations and use common sense in deciding whether to
venture out in bad weather."
Some 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
adequate heating fuel supplies
an alternate heating source - fireplace, wood stove, or space
heater
a non-electric can opener
extra warm clothing
extra blankets or sleeping bags
a first aid kit, including all essential medications
If you absolutely must drive in bad weather, make sure of the following:
be sure the heater, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good
working order
keep the vehicle's fuel tank at least half filled for emergency
use and to avoid ice in tank and fuel lines
keep an emergency supply kit in the vehicle that includes:
flashlight and extra batteries
a blanket or sleeping bag
extra warm clothing
a sack of sand or kitty litter (to use for traction under tires)
a shovel
a windshield scraper and brush
a tow rope
booster cables
tire chains
If you are caught in a winter storm:
Stay Inside.
When using an alternate heat source (fireplace, wood stove,
space heater approved for indoor use), be sure to use fire safeguards
and properly ventilate the room. Do not burn charcoal indoors.
If you have no heat or electricity:
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.
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.
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