Gov. Cooper, state leaders urge preparation ahead of winter weather

Governor Roy Cooper said Saturday the impacts from this winter weather will be felt across the state.

A big concern is power outages.

“This storm is a menace,” said Cooper. “Duke Energy tells us they are bringing in extra crews from other parts of the country to help out.”

In a Facebook post, Duke Energy said crews from Florida are headed to North Carolina to join workers already positioned in the state.

While they are on their way, state officials are urging the rest of us to stay home during the storm to make it easier on first responders and transportation crews.

“NCDOT staff and our contractor’s resources have been impacted by COVID-19 and labor shortages," said North Carolina Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette "We may not be able to respond to your area as quickly as we have in the past.”

Utility trucks aren't the only ones preparing ahead of the storm.

Erik Broo owns further towing and recovery in Raleigh.

He spent Saturday checking fluids and putting chains on tires.

He and his one employee expect to be answering calls non-stop through Sunday and Monday.

"The way we see it, the more trucks out there working, the shorter the response times," said Broo. "The EMS and officers don't have to be there as long."

His business is on the list of towing services the highway patrol and several police departments call.

"We like to be able to help. We do understand the gravity of the situation. The reason they're gonna be calling us more is that they need more help," said Broo. "Hopefully, people will be staying safe on the roads."

Officials said make sure your family has the supplies you will need like batteries, medicines and food, but keep in mind the supply chain struggles we are living with.

At a Harris Teeter in Cary Saturday, the meat shelves were nearly bare.

Andrea Dvorak-Grantz made a grocery run to stock up for the winter weather.

"When I looked at the weather, I decided to get out sooner than later," said Dvorak-Grantz "Going into the store, it's pretty picked over."

Bread, milk and water, she said all in short supply.

“Focus on what they do need for the next two or three days, and not to take more than they need in the stores,” said Don Campbell with North Carolina Emergency Management.

State Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey talked with me about staying safe while staying warm – particularly if you lose power.

“The main thing is for people to be prepared and know what the dangers are,” said Causey.

Never use kerosene heaters, burn charcoal or gas grills indoors, in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide from them can kill.

And for generators:

“The generator needs to be outside, several feet away from the side of the house,” said Causey.

If you use a space heater for warmth, simple steps can help you stay safe

Governor Cooper said 200 National Guard soldiers have been activated across the state to deal with the storm.

The Highway Patrol says if you MUST travel in the storm, pack supplies to sustain yourself should you get in trouble.