Weather forecasters say much of the state will likely receive snow, freezing rain or both beginning Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday.
The state is ready, and you should be too. Be prepared for a significant winter storm, and stay tuned to weather forecasts.
North Carolina’s Emergency Management office is one of the best in the nation, and they stand ready to respond to whatever weather event takes place this weekend. Transportation crews have treated roads, utility companies are already staging work crews, and our National Guard and law enforcement are on standby.
– Gov. Bev Perdue
Here are some important safety tips:
– Please stay off the road. Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary.
In the event of a power outage:
– 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 warm air in and cold air out.
– 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.
Citizens are urged to contact emergency officials only for emergency situations. Please do not call 911 or the State Highway Patrol for road conditions. The lines must remain clear for emergency calls. To check road conditions, please visit the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Management System at www.ncdot.org or call 511.