HENDERSON — As part of Winter Weather Awareness Week, which is Nov. 29-Dec. 5, Vance County Emergency Operations Director Brian K. Short is urging residents to update their emergency plans and to stock their emergency supply kits.
Vance County, like much of North Carolina, has encountered unpredictable winter weather during recent years.
Just this year, North Carolina dealt with back-to-back snow and ice storms that downed trees and power lines, closed schools and caused numerous traffic accidents. Our state also has seen heavy winter rains, flooding and even tornadoes. Earlier this year in Vance County there were several winter weather caused traffic problems, traffic accidents, property damage, closed schools and forced county offices and some businesses to close. Let us also not forget in years past a 100-year snowstorm as well as a 50-year ice storm left virtually all of Vance County without power for well over a week in some places.
With the National Weather Service predicting an above-normal chance of precipitation — either rain, snow or ice — Vance County Emergency Operations officials want residents to plan now for winter weather conditions.
“Winter storms are actually very deceptive as they can create conditions that lead to dangerous and deadly situations,” Short said. “Most deaths are unrelated to the actual storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads or of hypothermia from lengthy exposure to cold.”
Short added that deaths and injuries related to winter weather can be prevented. “I urge residents to take four simple steps to get ready for an emergency,” he said. “Have a plan, practice it, have an emergency supplies kit and stay informed about weather and traffic conditions to help keep your family safe this winter.”
The first step is to write a plan, which should be a thought-out list of whom to call, where to meet and any special considerations that may need to be addressed. Once you have a plan in place, be sure to discuss it with your family and practice it.
“A plan is worthless unless you practice it,” Short said. “What’s the point of writing down how you will contact each other if you do not in fact test it out to see if it works? As with any activity, practice makes perfect and in this case, practice can save lives.”
Once a plan is in place, build an emergency supplies kit for your home and your car.
Besides the standard items — non-perishable food and water for each person for three to seven days, medications, and important papers — you should also include rock salt, sand, snow shovels, extra warm clothes and blankets. Ensure a flashlight, battery-operated radio, extra batteries, and a first-aid kit are on hand.
Finally, pay attention to the weather forecast and stay informed about potential storms.
All residents need to monitor changing weather conditions by listening carefully to their National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio, local radio and television stations for storm watches or warnings. Real-time traffic and weather conditions can also be found on the state’s free ReadyNC mobile app.
During the cold winter months, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur from improper heating. The colorless, odorless carbon monoxide gas can be deadly and is produced from fuel-burning appliances, generators and heaters. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate causing headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. While preparing for winter weather, remember to always keep charcoal grills and portable camping equipment outdoors. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home, near sleeping areas is recommended. Also remember to check the batteries regularly.
To prepare your home for winter weather, check in and around your home and add insulation to walls and attics if it is needed. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows and insulate water pipes to keep them from freezing. Also, keep an adequate supply of heating fuel on hand. Remember to keep generators away from the home. Never run a generator in the garage or other enclosed area.
Snow and ice can cause hazardous driving conditions.
“Keep in mind that road conditions can quickly change. When driving in winter weather, remember to reduce your speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles,” Short said.
Other winter driving tips to remember are:
• Approach bridges and overpasses with caution since they often become icy before roadways. Do not push your breaks while on a bridge.
• If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide. Do not push the brakes.
• If you need to pull off the highway, set your directional lights to “flashing.”
• Do not go out on foot unless you see a building nearby to take shelter.
• If running the engine to keep warm, crack the window open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. One person should stay awake in the car to watch for rescue crews. Tie a colored cloth to the antenna or door to make yourself visible.
“Weather conditions can rapidly deteriorate, so it’s important to keep calm and think clearly about what to do,” Short said. For more information about how to prepare for adverse weather, visit the ReadyNC.org website.
Short also reminds residents to practice the following winter safety tips:
• Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep any electric generators outside and away from any open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Also, do not burn charcoal indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result from charcoal fumes indoors.
• Keep fresh batteries on hand to use with flashlights and weather radios.
• Always keep at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food in your home.
• Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing to stay warm.
