NCDHHS offering tips on how to prepare for potential winter storm impacts
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — As another winter storm threatens North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reminds residents to prepare ahead of time.
People are encouraged to make a plan for themselves and their families in preparation for bitter cold and potential snow.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- Never use a generator, outdoor grill, camp stove or propane stove inside your home, basement, or garage
- Run generators, gasoline-powered tools and engines outside at least 20 feet from doors, windows and air vents
- Install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. If you already have a carbon monoxide alarm, test it and replace batteries
- Know the warming signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting
- Plan for possible power outages
- Medical needs: If you use medical equipment that needs electricity, make a backup plan now
- Supplies: Stock basics like drinking water, easy to eat foods, baby, and pet supplies, blankets, flashlights, extra batteries
- Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
- Feeding an infant: Keep ready to feed formula on hand. If you breastfeed, continue to do so. If you use powdered formula, have safe water like a water bottle
- Reduce preventable injuries
- Use flashlights instead of candles, when possible
- If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn like curtains, bedding and furniture. Plug heaters directly into wall
- Wear shows with good traction to avoid slips on ice
- Avoid driving unless you must
- Donate blood if you can
- Winter weather can impact local blood drives
- Stay informed and know where to find help
- Follow updates from local officials and trusted new sources
