Winter Weather Preparedness

Every winter, people are injured or killed during winter storms in automobile accidents, and face other indirect dangers such as fallen trees, power lines, and house fires. What North Carolinians can and should do is prepare for the worst. To help you prepare, a Winter Weather Preparedness Week is held in North Carolina every year, usually in early to mid-December.

The goal of winter weather preparedness week is to re-educate North Carolinians on the hazards of winter weather and to help everyone become better prepared for these hazards before winter weather strikes.

Common Winter Weather Conditions

Any snow we receive is often accompanied by ice in the form of sleet or glaze from freezing rain. If less than ¼-inch of freezing rain or sleet or less than 3 inches of snow are expected in central North Carolina, the Raleigh National Weather Service will issue a Winter Weather Advisory. Winter Storm Watches and Warnings are issued for expected higher accumulation amounts. You can keep up with winter forecasts, warnings and advisories by visiting the Raleigh National Weather Service online.

Heating & Carbon Monoxide

Improper indoor use of fuel-burning appliances, generators and heaters has become the number one winter danger resulting in house fires and deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Without proper ventilation, carbon monoxide fumes can accumulate, causing headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. Remember to always keep charcoal grills, portable camping equipment and generators outdoors in the winter. Never run a generator in the garage or other enclosed area. Forsyth County Emergency Management also reminds residents to install a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of their home, near sleeping areas, and to check the batteries regularly.

Get more winter weather preparedness and safety tips at weather.gov.