Governor Cooper has declared Dec 2 – 8, 2018 as Winter Weather Preparedness Week and is encouraging North Carolinians to prepare now before potentially dangerous weather arrives.
“Some North Carolina families have already seen their first round of winter weather, while others are still recovering from Hurricane Florence,” Gov. Cooper said, “but we want all residents to be prepared for winter weather in the months ahead. Take time now to review emergency plans, update emergency supply kits and always stay informed about weather forecasts.”
Although temperatures have been unusually warm, it’s never too early to prepare for winter weather,
To help ensure you are ready for winter weather, Granville County Emergency Services urges all residents to:
· Always keep enough non-perishable food in your home for 3 days.
· 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 keep any electric generators 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 to monitor for 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.
If planning to travel during bad weather, motorists are reminded to leave plenty of room between their car and other vehicles. If driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, a reduction in speed is advised. If conditions worsen, drivers should pull off the highway and remain in their vehicle.
Remember to include pets in your emergency plans:
· Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for 3 – 7 days and pet travel bag or carrier.
· Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time and bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing.
· Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar.
· Move livestock and other animals to a sheltered location with food and water.
Build an emergency supply kit for your car:
• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Ice scraper
• Car cell phone charger
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• See more tips at http://www.ready.gov/car
For more information on how to prepare for winter storms, visit readync.org and https://www.weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety
Granville County Emergency Services encourages all residents to be prepared and be safe!