“Black ice is expected tonight across much of North Carolina,” he said in a statement. “The freezing of residual snow, slush, and water on area roads will result in dangerous travel conditions tonight.”
Hasty said it is best to avoid travel if possible and to also be on the lookout for trees snapping and falling from being overburdened with snow and ice. “When the trees or limbs fall, vehicles and structures can be damaged or block roadways, and cause power outages.”
Tips for power outages:
Exercise caution and safety when using alternative heating and cooking sources and generators.
Never use gas grills or alternative cooking sources indoors.
To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning make sure alternative heating sources are properly ventilated or when using generators make sure it is located away from your home or office and away from air intakes.
General winter storm tips
During winter storms stay indoors and dress warmly.
If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens and a hat.
Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing to prevent the loss of body heat.
Eat regularly. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
Drink water. Also drink warm broth and juices.
If you must drive carry a cell phone.
Keep the gas tank full.
Let someone know where you’re going just in case your car gets stuck.
If your car gets stuck, stay with it and wait for help unless help is visible within 100 yards.
Playing outside
Avoid injuries from sledding or snowboarding by selecting a slope free of obstacles such as fences, stumps, rocks, logs and other objects that may be hidden under the snow. Make sure the slope is snow-packed, not icy, with a long flat runoff for safe and smooth stopping.
Never sled or snowboard in a head-first position, in the street or anywhere near traffic. Never hitch a ride to a moving car or other vehicle.
Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury in a fall or mishap and is recommended for sledding, skating, skiing and other such recreational activities.
Snowballing should be monitored and supervised by adults to prevent reckless tossing that might cause head or eye injury.
ATV’s are not allowed on city streets.
It is not safe to pull anything behind any type vehicle.
