Winter Weather Preparedness

;

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.

Do not use your stove to heat your home.

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

Tracking Hurricane Ian

Sep 26, 2022 | Severe Weather

Weather events being tracked by Haywood County Emergency Services because they have the potential to impact the Western North Carolina mountain region.