Okay, here’s a breakdown of the information provided in the text, focusing on safety advice during winter weather:
1. Driving Safety:
* Clear Your Vehicle: Remove all snow and ice from windows, headlights, roof, and hood.
* Disaster Kit: Keep a disaster kit and extra warm clothes in your car.
* Slow Down: Allow extra travel time and drive slowly.
* Lights On: Keep your headlights on.
* Following Distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and others, especially on bridges and overpasses (which freeze quickly).
* if stranded:
* Pull over to the side of the road.
* Turn on hazard lights.
* Display a distress flag (cloth) from the window or antenna.
* If dark, turn on the dome light.
* If running the engine for warmth, crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Have someone stay awake to watch for emergency crews.
2. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety:
* never Use Indoors: Do not use gasoline-powered generators, tools, outdoor grills, or camp stoves inside homes, garages, or other enclosed spaces.
* Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Dizziness, fatigue, confusion, fainting, headaches, nausea. If you experience these, get fresh air instantly and seek medical attention.
* Generator/Tool Placement: Use generators and gasoline-powered tools outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.
* Vehicle Idling: Do not idle vehicles in the garage, even with the door open.
* Grills/Stoves: Do not use charcoal grills or propane stoves indoors.
* Heating: Never use a stove or gas appliance to heat your home.
3. Shelter Information:
* 211 Hotline: Call 211 or visit nc211.org for information on emergency shelters and health services.
* Orange County Shelter: A public shelter is open at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill (9201) starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. No proof of citizenship or ID is required, but bring medications, chargers, clothing, and hygiene supplies.
4.Additional Resources:
* State Emergency Officials: https://www.readync.gov/winter-weather#Tab-During-170
* NC Department of Health and Human Services (CO Poisoning): https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/a_z/co.html?mc_cid=47ce740670&mc_eid=553d0bc98e&mc_cid=62d91e85cf&mc_eid=9f3ccedad3
* Orange county News: https://www.orangecountync.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/1358
The text also includes a picture caption: “A wreck on I-440 on a snow day in Raleigh.” This visually emphasizes the dangers of driving in winter weather.
