Utility crews continue to repair damages caused by the strong winds that caused power outages across North Carolina. As of 3:00 p.m. today there are more than 169,000 outages across the state, which is down from the peak total of more than 485,000. Utility crews continue to assess damage and make repairs. However, areas across the state can expect to see rolling blackouts as repairs continue over the next few days. Duke Energy will continue to provide information on estimated restoration times.
“This is a difficult situation for many North Carolinians who are without power, but we expect every effort to be made to restore it soon, and we continue to be grateful for the line crews who are out working in the wind and cold to get the job done,” said Governor Roy Cooper.
Governor Cooper, Department of Public Safety and North Carolina Emergency Management officials remind everyone to be sure to properly vent kerosene heaters and ensure any electric generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Prevent fires by only using charcoal grills and kerosene lanterns outdoors.
Duke Energy customers can sign up for outage alerts on their cell phone at www.duke-energy.com/outages/alerts. You can also follow them on social media at: Facebook and Twitter.
To help ensure you are ready for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials urge you to:
- Always keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and a supply of medication in your home.
- Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
- Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
- Properly vent kerosene heaters and ensure any electric generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors.
- Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to monitor changing weather conditions.
- Keep alternative heating sources and fire extinguishers on hand. Be sure your family knows how to use them.
- Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
- Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, first-aid kit, enough canned/dry food and water for three to seven days and pet travel bag or carrier.
- Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time.
- Ensure your pet has a well-fitting collar.
- Bring pets inside when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Move livestock and other animals to a sheltered location with food and water.
If you must travel during bad weather, Governor Cooper and emergency officials remind motorists to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles and, if driving on snow- or ice-covered roadways, reduce your speed. If conditions worsen, pull off the highway and remain in your vehicle. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you can take shelter. For more information on how to prepare for winter storms and other hazards that affect North Carolina, visit www.readync.gov.