STAY WARM. STAY READY.
Winter Weather Resource Hub
Practical tools and trusted information to help you prepare for ice, snow, cold, and power outages.
In central North Carolina, ice storms can close roads and knock out power for days. Planning before the cold arrives helps you stay warm, stay safe, and stay connected.
Whether you attended a Planning Ahead program or found us while looking for resources, you are in the right place.
Because you matter.
Four Things You Can Do Today
Get ready before the first freeze.
Test your alarms
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and keep fresh batteries on hand.
Stock up early
Keep food, water, and medicines for several days in case roads stay icy.
Plan for no power
Pick a warm place to go if your power is out, like a friend's home or a library.
Save outage info
Report Duke Energy outages at 800-769-3766 or text OUT to 57801.
MAKE YOUR PLAN
Create Your Household Winter Weather Plan
What would your household do if an ice storm knocked out power for three days?
Where would you go to stay warm? How would you heat your home safely? Who would check on you?
Planning Ahead's Household Winter Weather Plan helps you answer those questions before an emergency.
Use the plan to:
✓ Choose a trusted source for weather information
✓ Pick a warm place to go
✓ Stock food, water, and medicines
✓ Plan for powered medical equipment
✓ Prepare for a power outage
✓ Check heaters and test alarms
✓ Gather warm clothes and blankets
✓ Choose a daily check-in buddy
✓ Identify people you'll check on
✓ Plan for your pets
Download your printable plan (PDF) and keep it with your emergency supplies.
Know the Warning Signs
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Hypothermia: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech, or drowsiness. Get medical help right away, move the person somewhere warm, and remove wet clothes.
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Frostbite: red or painful skin that turns white or grayish-yellow, feels firm or waxy, or goes numb. Warm the area in warm, not hot, water and get medical care. Do not rub it.
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Carbon monoxide kills: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, or confusion. Get to fresh air right away and call 911.
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Never heat your home with a stove or oven. Use generators and grills only outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors and windows.
What To Do
During winter weather
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Stay home and off the roads. If you must drive, slow down and leave extra space.
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Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from space heaters, and turn heaters off when you leave the room or go to bed.
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Use flashlights instead of candles.
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Dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and change out of wet clothes right away.
After the storm
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Walk and drive carefully on ice. Stay far away from downed power lines.
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Shovel in short sessions with breaks, and work with a partner if you can.
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If your home is still too cold, go to a library, a friend's home, or a warming center.
Check on others
Older adults feel cold less easily and are at higher risk of hypothermia. Anyone who lives alone should have a family member or neighbor check on them every day during cold weather, and neighbors can help make sure heaters are used safely.
Trusted Resources
Official sources for alerts, safety tips, and local help. Links open in a new tab.