Pending snowfall, NC Gov. reminds citizens to stay home to stay safe

With another winter storm coming to North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is reminding residents to prepare now. A little planning can help prevent injuries and keep families safe in upcoming cold temperatures and potential snow.

1. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced whenever fuel is burned. Carbon monoxide can be deadly within minutes.

• Never use a generator, outdoor grill, camp stove or propane stove inside your home, basement or garage — even with doors or windows open.
• Run generators, gasoline-powered tools and engines outside at least 20 feet from doors, windows and air vents.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home. If you already have a carbon monoxide alarm, test it and replace batteries.
• Know the warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headaches, confusion or fainting. If you experience these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

2. Plan for possible power outages
Think through what your household needs for several days without power.

• Medical needs: If you use medical equipment that needs electricity (oxygen, CPAP, other devices), make a backup plan now. Charge batteries and power banks. Keep a written list of medicines and doses.
• Supplies: Stock basics like drinking water, easy to eat foods, baby and pet supplies, blankets, flashlight and extra batteries. Have a plan for how you will stay warm should you lose power. Learn more about building an emergency kit.
• Food safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If you’re unsure food is safe for consumption after a long outage, when in doubt, throw it out.
• Feeding an infant: If possible, keep ready to feed formula on hand. If you use powdered formula, plan for safe water and clean hands/surfaces. Use bottled water if your water may not be safe. If you breastfeed, continue to do so – it’s the safest way to feed your baby in emergencies. If you use an electric breast pump, review how to hand express your milk. Breastmilk is safe for up to four hours at room temperature. If you pump breast milk, plan to keep milk cold during outages such as with a cooler or ice packs. If milk warms and you’re unsure if it’s safe, discard it. 

3. Reduce preventable injuries
Many storm-related injuries happen at home and are preventable. 

• Use flashlights instead of candles, when possible.
• If you use space heaters, keep them at least three feet from anything that can burn like curtains, bedding and furniture. Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into power strips.
• Wear shoes with good traction to avoid slips on ice.
• Avoid driving unless you must. 

4. Donate blood if you can
Winter weather can impact local blood drives and make it harder to deliver blood to hospitals at a time when supplies are already low. The American Red Cross recently reported a severe blood and platelet shortage and urged eligible donors to book an appointment as soon as it’s safe to travel. 

5. Stay informed and know where to find help
Weather conditions can change quickly. Follow updates from local officials and trusted new sources. For more information, visit ReadyNC.gov. For additional resources and safety guidance, including mental health and disaster recovery health and safety materials, visit the NCDHHS website. 

Jan. 29, 2026

Provided.

Submit news tips, events and interview requests to editor@sandhills.news.

Sandhills News is plain-English local government reporting that explains how decisions affect your land, taxes, schools and rights.