[ad_1]
Preparations are underway across North Carolina for a winter storm that is expected to bring snow, sleet, and accumulating freezing rain to most of the state this weekend, creating hazardous conditions that could last for several days.
Related: Get the latest information on the winter storm and what’s expected in North Carolina
After issuing a state of emergency declaration Wednesday, Gov. Josh Stein and other state officials spoke Thursday morning about what is being done to ensure impacts are as minimal as possible. Stein said the storm is expected to be “a massive disruption to people’s lives.”
“A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare,” Stein said. “Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively.”
Officials say the state has already activated its Emergency Response Team, and crews with the Department of Transportation are hitting roadways to pre-treat with brine, restocking salt supplies and making sure equipment is ready for whatever issues the storm may bring. Crews are also in the process of removing any abandoned or disabled vehicles from the sides of roadways, Stein said Thursday.
“From the mountains to the coast, our crews are already out brining roads and bridges ahead of the winter storm,” said Daniel Johnson, the state’s transportation secretary. “We’re asking everyone to do their part to prepare now and avoid travel once the storm hits so crews can safely clear the roads.”
Officials say high-rise vehicles have been prepped and are ready to be deployed for any rescue efforts, the forest service is prepared to remove any downed trees and aviation units from the State Highway Patrol and N.C. National Guard are ready to be deployed if necessary.
Equipment is also being prestaged, Johnson said, in areas that are known trouble spots for rapid response.
Duke Energy is also bringing in crews from across the country to respond as quickly as possible to any outages that may occur, Stein said. At this time, the governor said there is no estimate as to how many people may lose power across the state, but everything that can be done is being done to ensure it is restored as quickly as possible to those impacted.
Related: 10 tips to help you get through another winter storm in N.C.
To help residents prepare for the coming winter storm, North Carolina Emergency Management officials are recommending the following 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. 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
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
[ad_2]
Justin Pryor
Source link