The week of December 7-13 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. State and local officials encourage citizens to plan and prepare now before potentially dangerous winter weather arrives.
“Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for winter weather. Start today by making sure your emergency supply kit is up to date, stay informed about weather forecasts, and review your family emergency plans with everyone in your home so everyone knows what to do in case a winter storm or any event impacts your area,” said Daniel Fox, Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator.
North Carolina’s position between the Appalachian Mountains, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf Stream often leads to complex and rapidly changing winter weather. This winter is expected to be influenced by a La Niña pattern, which generally brings warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation — but significant winter storms can still occur, so preparation remains essential.
During winter weather events, emergency officials advise that the best way to stay safe is to stay informed and pay close attention to the latest forecast using local media or a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio, and be alert for changing weather conditions.
It’s important to know what different winter weather headlines mean, and even though the criteria for winter weather watches, warnings, and advisories vary across North Carolina, they all have the same premises, so remember:
• Winter Storm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for either heavy snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the next 24-48 hours.
• Winter Storm Warning is issued when confidence is high that a winter storm will cause significant impacts within the next 12-36 hours.
• Winter Weather Advisory is issued when wintry weather is expected, and residents should exercise caution as light to moderate amounts of snow, sleet, or freezing rain are expected within the next 12-36 hours, causing travel difficulties.
To help ensure you are ready for winter weather, emergency officials suggest keeping at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and medications in your home, along with fresh batteries for weather radios and flashlights. Be sure to dress warmly by wearing multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
When using alternative heating sources, be sure you know how to safely operate them. It’s especially important to properly vent kerosene heaters, keep electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, and never burn charcoal indoors. It’s also important to keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
If you must travel during bad weather, emergency officials remind motorists to leave plenty of room between themselves and other vehicles and reduce their speed. If conditions worsen, pull off the roadway and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter. You should also store an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes an ice scraper, jumper cables, a tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and a road map.
Don’t forget to include pets in your emergency plans. To keep animals safe during winter weather, emergency officials recommend that you:
• Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, a first aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days, and a pet carrier.
• Do not leave pets outside for long periods.
• Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar.
• Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing.
• Move livestock and other animals to a sheltered location with food and water.
For more information on how to prepare for winter storms, visit www.readync.gov.