Winter Weather Safety

Stay Informed

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms by monitoring the weather forecast  from our local National Weather Service office and sign up to receive emergency alerts from Dare County & KDH.

Travel Safety Tips

During a winter weather event, if possible, stay off the roads. If you must travel, check for local road condition updates. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.

For updates regarding road conditions, please visit DriveNC.gov and follow North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook.

Home Safety Tips

• NEVER use a charcoal grill, stove, or oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected each year by a professional.
• Use caution with candles. They should be placed in a sturdy holder and placed at least 12” from anything that can burn. NEVER leave them burning unattended or overnight.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.

Click here to learn how to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator  or other fuel-burning appliance inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.

• Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away (on all sides) from things that can burn, including people
• Place them on a flat & solid surface
• Check for damaged plugs & cords
• Plug them directly into wall outlets (no extension cords or power strips)
• Do not leave them unattended!

And, as always, working smoke alarms are the best way to alert you and your family in case of a fire.

Pet Safety

Take steps to keep your pets safe, warm and dry when the weather gets wet and cold.

Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Provide hay and a water source for any livestock, and shelter if feasible.

Additional winter weather safety tips

If you need assistance in preparing or planning for an emergency, please feel free to contact us at, emergencymanagement@kdhnc.com.