As Southeast North Carolina gets ready for a winter storm expected to bring several inches of snow from Tuesday night into Wednesday, experts are offering important advice on how to stay safe and prepare for the cold weather. Whether it’s keeping your home warm, protecting your car, or ensuring your family is ready for icy conditions, here’s what you need to know before the storm hits.
1. Home Safety Tips: Keep Your Home Warm and Prevent Frozen Pipes
Home safety expert Eric Goranson suggests focusing on two main things during the storm: keeping your house warm and preventing your pipes from freezing. He advises running water in sinks or faucets located along exterior walls, as running water is less likely to freeze. This simple step can help avoid costly repairs due to burst pipes.
Though widespread power outages are not expected, it’s still a good idea to increase your thermostat a few degrees as the temperature drops. A warmer home will be more comfortable and protect your pipes.
Another tip from Goranson is to shovel snow early while it’s fresh. Shoveling prevents ice from building up, making it easier to clear later on. Also, parking at the bottom of a hill or at the end of a steep driveway can be useful if the roads become slick.
2. Car Preparation: Check and Maintain Your Vehicle
Before heading out during a winter storm, car safety is key. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recommends staying off the roads until they are fully cleared. Snow and ice can create dangerous conditions, so it’s safer to wait until the roads are cleared.
For those who must drive, Carl Brewer, assistant manager at Black’s Tire and Auto in Wilmington, offers several car safety tips. First, check your car’s oil, tires, battery, and windshield wipers to ensure they are ready for the cold weather. Brewer also recommends filling up your car’s gas tank ahead of time and keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle, which should include items like jumper cables, an ice scraper, and a flashlight.
In case you need to drive during the storm, Brewer reminds everyone to take it slow. Driving in icy conditions requires patience and careful driving. Going too fast can result in accidents, so it’s important to stay calm and drive cautiously.
3. NCDOT’s Winter Storm Plan: Road Maintenance and Safety
The NCDOT has already started preparing for the storm by spraying over 30,000 gallons of brine—a saltwater solution—on roads across New Hanover County. The brine helps prevent snow and ice from sticking to the pavement, making the roads safer. Additionally, the department has nine snow plows ready to clear roads as needed.
Blake Jacobs, an NCDOT engineer, highlighted how winter weather events provide an opportunity for the department to help the community. “When there’s a tornado, hurricane, or winter weather event, we get to go out and do something for our community,” he said.
4. Stay Safe and Plan Ahead
The most important advice from experts is to prioritize safety. Winter storms can be dangerous, and preparation is key. Keep your home warm, protect your car, and avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, ensure your car is ready for the conditions, and always drive carefully.
By staying informed and following expert advice, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe during the storm. Take the necessary precautions to keep your home, car, and family protected from the harsh winter weather.
(Source : wect.com)
