The National Weather Service is predicting that an Arctic air mass and sub-freezing temperatures will extend into the Carolinas. There is a 70-80% chance of below normal temperatures for Jan. 16-20.
A cold front will move into North Carolina Sunday, Jan. 14, and then stall out and linger over the Carolinas through Monday, Jan. 15. A very cold air mass will settle overhead late Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Wednesday, Jan. 17.
As the temperatures drop, remember there are resources available!
Cold weather beds are available for white flag nights November through April when the temperatures drop below 32 degrees. For more information and resources visit www.ocpehnc.com
Tips for staying warm
Heat your home safely. It’s going to be extremely cold this weekend. The Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department has provided safety tips for staying warm, including:
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
- Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Don’t use outdoor grills, open flames or your oven to keep your house warm.
- Don’t overload your electrical circuits; space heaters use a lot of electricity.
- Plug space heaters into wall sockets — not power strips — and keep them away from flammable materials such as bedding or curtains.
- Make sure your furnace is not overheating.
- Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
- Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
- Test your smoke alarms to ensure they are working properly.
- If you have any gas fueled appliances and/or have a fireplace you should have a Carbon Monoxide alarm in addition to smoke alarms.
Be Prepared
Please access the following resources:
Emergency Information – Carrboro Ready
Weather Forecast Information
Cold Weather Beds/White Flag Nights
Helping Others
The IFC shelter is accepting donations of jackets, blankets and more. A free, hot meal is another service the IFC is offering throughout the week. Contact (919) 929-6380 or info@ifcmailbox.org or drop by 110 W. Main St., Carrboro.
The IFC, or Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, is a local nonprofit whose mission is to confront the causes and respond to the effects of poverty in the community.
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