Forecast Prompts State Of Emergency For North Carolina
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared a State of Emergency in advance of this week’s frigid weather.
The weather system is expected to bring ice and other frozen precipitation to the mountains, along with sub-freezing temperatures for the entire state. The storm is also expected to bring gusty winds on Friday, which could threaten the power grid.
Cooper’s action activates the state’s emergency operations plan, waives certain transportation regulations to make fuel transport easier, and provides protections against price gouging.
In the emergency declaration, Cooper reiterated the importance of keeping the heat on. “The uninterrupted supply of fuel oil, diesel oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, and liquid petroleum gas to residential and commercial establishments is essential, and any interruption in the delivery of those commodities threatens the public welfare.”
North Carolina Emergency Management officials issued the following tips to stay safe during the icy blast:
- 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 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. 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 feeding 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.
Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For information on road conditions visit DriveNC.gov.
