Storm Guidance
Move down from higher elevations
Winter Emergency Kit Basics
Prepare for Meds needs
Prepare for O2 needs
Heating Safety
Keep 3 feet clear
Place portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
Choose space heater location carefully
Place space heaters on a solid, flat surface and keep them and their electrical cords from things that can burn.
Plug space heater into wall
Inspect your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and broken plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
Keep Oxygen 5 feet away from heat
Keep oxygen tanks at least 5 feet from a heat source, open flames or electrical devices. Never use a candle, match, lighter or other open flame near medical oxygen.
Fireplace Ash Safety
Allow ashes to cool before disposing of them. Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other buildings. Never empty the ashes directly into a trash can.
Don’t heat home with stove
Extreme Cold Safety
Dressing For Cold Weather
Chilly
- 1-2 top layers
- Long bottom layer
- Warm shoes
- Outer layer to keep out wind/wet
Cold
- 2-3 top layers
- 1-2 bottom layers
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Boots
- Outer Layer to keep out wind/snow
Extreme Cold
- 3+ top layers
- 2+ bottom layers
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Boots / Extra socks
- Face Mask
- Outer layer to keep out snow
Warning Signs of Hypothermia
- Confusion
- Shivering (will stop at later stages)
- Difficulty Speaking
- Sleepiness
- Stiff Muscles
Winter Weather Words to Know
Winter Storm Watch
TAKE ACTION. Heavy snow, sleet, or ice is expected! Confidence is high that a winter storm will cause significant impacts within 24 hours.
Winter Storm Warning
BE PREPARED. Heavy snow, sleet or ice is possible. Confidence is growing that severe weather could arrive in the next 24-48 hours.
Winter Weather Advisory
Wintry weather is expected. Residents should exercise caution — light to moderate amounts of snow, sleet, or freezing rain are expected within 24 hours, causing travel difficulties.
Current National Weather Service Advisories
Weather Updates
Helene Situation Report #1
Thursday, September 26, 2024 Haywood Hurricane Helene Preparations and Situation Update 1 Haywood County could experience historic flooding. Flash Flooding: Widespread flash flooding is expected, with some areas at risk for catastrophic and life-threatening flooding....
Haywood County Prepares for Helene
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 As the projected impacts of Hurricane Helene become more certain, Haywood County is mobilizing all available resources to protect its residents, visitors, and resources. All available emergency personnel and resources are in place and...
Winter Weather Advisory
Sunday, January 14, 2024Extreme cold moves into the region tonight. A Winter Weather Advisory is issued for Haywood County from 1 a.m. Monday through 7 a.m. Tuesday. Bitter wind chill values may range from zero to 10 degrees below zero, with high elevations as cold as...
Drive Like a “Dad” This Winter
Winter Driving Tips
