Freezing conditions will make roads dangerous.  We encourage you to remain home until road conditions improve.  If you plan to drive: 

• Prepare: Pack blankets, water, and a flashlight.  Clear snow off your car before you start driving. 
• Check: Ensure your gas tank is at least half full.
• Drive: Increase your following distance to 8–10 seconds. Reduce your driving speed. 

Shovel Smart

• Dress warmly, making sure to cover your head, fingers, and toes;
• Stay hydrated, but avoid heavy meals right before or after shoveling;
• Move only small amounts of snow with each pass of the shovel;
• Take frequent breaks.

Power Outages

• Be careful with heat sources; candles and space heaters are a fire risk.  Also stay warm by bundling up and keeping doors closed, placing towels in cracks;
• Practice portable generator safety; use outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors/windows/garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning;
• Check on neighbors; once your family is safe, check on your neighbors to make sure they are OK.

Don't Slip

• Walk on treated or non-icy surfaces with better traction, if possible;
• Wear proper winter footwear with rubber treads;
• Take slow, short steps so you'll be able to react to icy conditions.

Driving in Inclement Weather

• Ice and snow, take it slow;
• Prepare a car emergency supply kit;
• Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you;
• Check DriveNC.gov for possible road closures or hazards.

Taking Care of Pets

• Keep them warm and dry, and indoors whenever possible;
• Provide plenty of food and water; 
• When outside, keep them bundled up;
• Limit outside time and clean paws when bringing them in inside.

Energy Saving Tips

• Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.  The closer you match your thermostat to outdoor temperatures, the more you can save.
• Leave drapes or blinds open on the sunny side of the home to allow the sun's rays to warm the house but close them at night to help insulate your home.
• Operate ceiling fans in a clockwise direction in the winter to push warm air back down into the room.

Sincerely,