Governor Cooper Encourages North Carolinians to Prepare for Winter Weather

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Today, Governor Roy Cooper is encouraging North Carolinians to plan and prepare ahead of the winter season that could bring potentially dangerous winter weather as Winter Weather Preparedness Week begins.

"Winter weather is already impacting North Carolina with lower than average temperatures across the state and we want people to be prepared for the possibility of extreme cold, snow, ice and other hazardous weather," Governor Cooper said. "North Carolinians should be prepared and have an emergency plan, update your emergency preparedness kits and stay informed by paying attention to trusted and official sources of information regarding weather forecasts and alerts."

Governor Cooper urges residents to monitor winter weather conditions and forecasts by listening to local media and paying close attention to winter weather watches, warnings and advisories. While the criteria for these may vary across North Carolina the premise is the same 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, North Carolina Emergency Management officials urge you to:

• Always keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and a supply of medication in your home.
• Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
• Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and ensure any electric generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to monitor changing weather conditions.
• Keep alternative heating sources and fire extinguishers on hand. Be sure your family knows how to use them.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
• Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first-aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days and pet travel bag or carrier.
• Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time.
• 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.

If you must travel during bad weather, emergency officials remind motorists to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles and, if driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. If conditions worsen, pull off the highway and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter.

The Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service work together to help North Carolinians plan and prepare for winter weather by providing accurate weather and safety information.

For more information on how to prepare for winter storms and other hazards that affect North Carolina, visit www.readync.gov.

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