Special to IFN
RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein on Thursday issued a new State of Emergency to ensure the state qualifies if federal assistance is needed to respond or recover from this winter weather event and to activate the State Emergency Response Team ahead of the storm’s arrival on Saturday morning.
The State Emergency Response Team assists affected communities with any response needs. Additionally, the governor provided an update on state preparations and guidance for navigating this weekend’s winter weather. He was joined by N.C. Emergency Management Director Will Ray and N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson.
“As another round of winter weather moves into North Carolina, this time possibly bringing snow, I urge everyone to stay alert and take precautions,” Stein said. “Our emergency management teams and NCDOT crews continue to work around the clock, and I’m grateful for their continued dedication to keeping North Carolinians safe. Please continue to use caution when driving and follow the same safety steps that helped keep people safe last weekend.”
“Once again much of North Carolina is forecast to receive wintry weather and it’s important to be prepared,” Ray added. “While the forecast for this weekend’s storm is expected to be primarily snow, it is important to remember that travel conditions may become treacherous, and it’s safest to just stay home to let first responders, the NCDOT, the N.C. National Guard, and the State Highway Patrol safely work. With continued cold temperatures, please focus on personal and family preparedness and continue to check in on those in your neighborhood or community who may need support.”
State Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said crews began pretreating roads with brine on Wednesday.
“We expect major impacts to our roads this weekend and into next week due to the expected cold temperatures,” he said. “Once this storm hits, play it safe and stay off the roads until conditions improve.”
Be Prepared
To prepare for winter weather, N.C. Emergency Management officials recommend these tips:
♦ 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 (NOAA) 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 if you must travel. 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 care 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.
LEARN MORE
Visit ReadyNC.gov for more information on winter weather safety and preparation. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov, or follow NCDOT on social media.