Due to its unique geographical location between mountainous and coastal regions, certain meteorological conditions make central North Carolina subject to occasional significant winter weather events. People must be aware of the dangers involved with winter weather. One of the primary concerns is the shutting off of heat, power, and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for extended periods of time. Other concerns include widespread transportation disruptions and damage from falling trees.

In order to prepare for winter weather, the following items should be reviewed:

• Ensure that your family disaster plan includes alternate heating sources for when power is shut off
• Ensure that your family disaster kit includes food and water for extended periods without power
• Know the difference between the following National Weather Service Alerts:
  • Winter Storm Warning – Hazards expected to pose a threat to the area within 24 hours.
  • Winter Storm Watch – Hazards are expected to pose a threat to the area between 24 to 48 hours
  • Winter Storm Advisory – Cold, Ice, and Snow are expected to impact the area that may cause “significant inconvenience” and warrant extra caution.
• Never use a gas grill or charcoal grill indoors for a heating source or for a cooking appliance
• Never use generators indoors
• Have a carbon monoxide detector in the home to monitor for dangerous levels
• If you lose power, use flashlights to light the home instead of candles which pose a significant fire hazard
• If travel is a must, use caution when driving, traveling slowly and with plenty of distance from other vehicles 
• If you have to go outside, dress in layers and avoid overexerting yourself.