Governor Pat McCrory is urging residents to update their emergency winter weather plans and re-stock their emergency supply kits during Winter Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina.
"Whether it is sleet, snow, ice or flooding, be sure your family is ready," said Governor McCrory. "To find out what supplies your family needs and what to do to be safe in emergencies, go to ReadyNC.org and click on the 'Get Ready' tab."
In addition to listing what families need to help prepare for an emergency, the ReadyNC website also has the latest weather briefings and analysis of possible severe weather that could affect the state.
"Even with the best forecasts, North Carolina winters are often unpredictable," said Mike Sprayberry, N.C. Emergency Management director. "Last winter we saw a lot of rain. Two years ago, there were tornadoes, which is almost unheard of during winter. And the winter before that, there were earlier-than-normal record breaking snowfalls."
Darin Figurskey, meteorologist in charge with the National Weather Service in Raleigh, said this year's forecast has a slightly smaller chance of precipitation, but cautioned that it even smaller winter storms can cause problems. "Really, residents need to be prepared for any type and amount of winter precipitation," Figurskey explained.
It is important that all citizens 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. When winter weather warnings are issued, the public should be prepared for possible power outages or roads made impassable by snow or ice.
Sprayberry warned that most deaths attributed to winter storms result from indirect dangers such as traffic accidents, falling trees, downed power lines, house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from improper use of space heaters, grills and stoves.
For more information on how to prepare for winter storms, visit www.readync.org.