Winter Weather Preparedness
Published on January 21, 2025
Severe winter storms can lead to hazardous conditions like ice, impassable roads, and power outages, potentially trapping you at home for days. Extended power and phone service disruptions can make it difficult to heat your home or reach out for assistance. In these storms, poor road conditions may also prevent access to essential supplies, food, and other necessities.
Stay Informed
Monitor weather updates through local news, apps, or weather alerts to stay ahead of changing conditions. For current weather watches, warnings, or advisories, visit the National Weather Service.
Travel Safely
Before you hit the road in the morning, please check your commute route to save you time and keep you safe.
Residents are advised to use DriveNC.gov to check on road conditions.
Driving in Winter Weather:
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed to account for slippery roads, ice, and visibility. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface.
- Increase Following Distance: Allow extra space between your vehicle and others to prevent accidents in case of sudden stops or slides.
- Equip Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is winter-ready with proper tires, windshield wiper fluid, and a full gas tank.
- Use Caution on Bridges and Overpasses: These areas freeze faster than regular roads, approach them with extra care.
- Keep Emergency Supplies: Pack essentials like blankets, water, snacks, flashlight, and a first aid kit in case of an emergency.
- Avoid Cruise Control: Never use cruise control on icy or snowy roads as it can reduce your reaction time in emergencies.
- Clear Your Car: Always remove snow and ice from your windshield, windows, and lights before driving to improve visibility.
- Car Seat Safety: Ensure that car seats are properly installed and winter coats are not bulky, as they can affect the fit of the harness. Dress children in layers to keep them warm without compromising safety.
Energy-saving tips
As temperatures drop, take control of your energy use and save money through no-cost, low-cost winter energy savings tips:
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting. The closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the more you can save.
- Change your air filter and schedule regular maintenance for your heating systems. Maintaining your heating systems can help increase efficiency.
- Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun's rays to warm the house but close them at night to help insulate your home.
- Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room.
- Seal cracks in windows, doors and vents with caulking and weatherstripping to save 10% to 20% in heating costs.
- Replace standard bulbs with LEDs. LEDs are more efficient than regular bulbs, while giving off the same amount of light.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees or less. Water heating is typically the second-biggest user of energy in your home.
Report Power Outages
Here are some important websites for residents to use in case of reporting power outages:
Key Tips for Power Outages:
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Use a generator ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
- Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
- Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
- Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
- Check with local officials about heating and cooling locations open near you.
Fire Safety Tips
- Keep Heaters Clear: Ensure space heaters are placed at least three feet away from flammable materials like blankets, curtains, or furniture.
- Check Fireplaces and Chimneys: Have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually to prevent buildup of creosote, which can cause fires.
- Use Fireplaces Safely: Never leave a fire unattended and always use a screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
- Test Smoke Alarms: Regularly check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working, especially during winter months.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits: Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords, particularly when using space heaters or other electric appliances.
- Keep a Fire Extinguisher Nearby: Keep a fire extinguisher in accessible areas such as the kitchen and near your fireplace.
- Stay Safe with Candles: If using candles for light, never leave them unattended, and keep them away from flammable materials.