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PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
National Weather Service Wilmington NC
900 AM EST Thu Dec 10 2020

...PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK IN NORTH CAROLINA
DECEMBER 6-12, 2020


Excessive cold and winter fire dangers: 
 
Extremely cold air comes every winter in at least part of the 
country and affects millions of people across the United States. 
The arctic air, together with brisk winds, can lead to dangerously
cold wind chill values. People exposed to extreme cold are 
susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone 
to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands
and feet. Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold. 
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can 
produce.


Wind Chill Warning vs Watch

Wind Chill Warning: Take Action! NWS issues a wind chill warning 
when dangerously cold wind chill values are expected or occurring.
If you are in an area with a wind chill warning, avoid going 
outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you do go outside,
dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one 
other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive 
safely at your destination.

Wind Chill Watch: Be Prepared: NWS issues a wind chill watch when
dangerously cold wind chill values are possible. As with a 
warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the 
coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least a half a
tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.

Wind Chill Advisory: Be Aware: NWS issues a wind chill advisory 
when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold 
values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones 
dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing 
outdoors.


Winter Fire Danger:

Home fires occur more in winter than in any other season. 
According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of all
home heating fires occur during the winter months. Heating 
equipment is involved in 1 in every 7 home fires and 1 in every 5 
home fire deaths. Here are some safety tips to reduce this risk. 

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from any heat source 
like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, or space heaters. To 
avoid a carbon monoxide poisoning risk, keep portable generators 
outside away from windows and as far away from your home as 
possible. Install and test carbon monoxide alarms at least once a 
month. Plug only 1 heat-producing appliance, like a space heater, 
into an electrical outlet at a time. Have a qualified professional
clean and inspect your chimney and vents every year. Store cooled
ashes in a tightly covered metal contains and keep it outside at 
least 10 fee from your home and any nearby buildings. 

For additional safety tips to reduce the risk of winter fires, 
please visit https://www.nfpa.org/winter.


Additional winter weather preparedness resources:

NWS winter safety page: 
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/winter_safety

North Carolina Department of Public Safety preparedness page: 
http://readync.org

FEMAs winter preparedness page: 
https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

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