Governor McCrory Declares State of Emergency, Waives Truck Restrictions to Expedite Storm Response | Eastern NC Now

News Release:

    Raleigh, NC     Governor McCrory has signed a State of Emergency declaration and waived weight and hours of service restrictions on truck drivers to expedite response to today's winter storm. The storm has impacted much of central North Carolina.

    "While we have become very experienced in winter storm response during the past two months, each storm is different and can require different resources," Governor McCrory said. "Today we're seeing more power outages than we had during any of the previous storms this year, and we need to do all that we can as quickly as we can to help those in need."

    As of 2 p.m., there were more than 460,000 power outages statewide with about one-fifth of the state reporting storm-related power failures. The hardest hit areas were Davidson, Randolph, Alamance, Guilford, Davie, Orange, Granville and Person counties. Numerous counties across the Piedmont reported downed trees blocking roads. Emergency operations centers are open in Randolph, Guilford, Orange and Alamance counties.

    Executed under the Emergency Management Act, the State of Emergency declaration enables the governor to mobilize the necessary resources to respond to a storm. It also is the first step in seeking federal funds to help defray the cost of providing emergency services, clearing debris and repairing any damaged public infrastructure.

    The executive order waives restrictions on weight and the hours of service for fuel, utility and other truck drivers that may be working to deliver supplies, restore services or clear debris in response to the winter storm. The waiver is in effect for 30 days.

    "Our residents, as well as our medical providers, businesses and livestock industry, need heat and electricity. These declarations are one way that the state can help to ensure that goods and services are restored as soon as possible," said Governor McCrory.

    State emergency management officials recommended people follow these winter safety tips if they have lost power.

   •  Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.

   •  Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors; the fumes can be deadly.

   •  Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.

    Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.

   •  Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.

   •  Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night to keep cold air out and warm air in.

   •  If you have well water, fill up tubs and buckets with water so if the power goes out you still have water.

   •  Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.

   •  Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.

   •  Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.

    You can find updated weather and road conditions on the http://www.readync.org/ web site or with the new ReadyNC mobile app. The free app is available for iPhones and Android devices in the AppStore and Play Store; search "ReadyNC."


    Contact: Crystal Feldman
       govpress@nc.gov