What to do before the winter storm hits
Forecasters are predicting a high chance of a major ice storm Friday in the Charlotte area. Here are steps that people can take Thursday to prepare:
1. Stock up on essentials – foods that will not spoil if the power goes out.
2. Have flashlights and batteries ready. Using candles are a light source can be dangerous and sometimes is the cause of serious house fires.
3. Have a battery-powered radio. And remember that if you use a cell phone to monitor radio during a power outage, you are using up your data minutes if your Internet modem is not operating.
4. Have a cell phone charger that works off a car battery.
5. Make sure your vehicles have full tanks of gas.
6. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. That will keep foods cold or frozen longer, if the power goes out.
7. If you have a power generator for your home, make sure it is fueled and ready.
8. Make arrangements to care for the elderly and sick during any power outage.
9. If you use well water, set up an emergency backup supply if power goes out.
Source: FEMA, N.C. Department of Emergency Management, and Duke Energy.
This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 12:03 PM with the headline "What to do before the winter storm hits."