Multiple news and weather sources are indicating that our area will experience some form of winter storm this coming weekend. While the specific type and amount of precipitation may vary, the cold temperatures will present their own set of challenges for residents to address.

This is an ideal time to prepare for the expected winter weather.

For local guidance on preparing for and recovering from winter storms, visit Orange County (NC) Emergency Services. Additional preparedness information is available at Ready.gov. Residents within town limits can visit Ready Hillsborough (NC) for town-specific resources. These organizations are dedicated to preparing communities, responding to needs, and aiding recovery during and after storms and disasters. They coordinate with public works crews, the department of transportation, fire departments, Emergency Medical Services, law enforcement, and Community Emergency Response Teams to ensure community safety and support.

If the approaching storms result in significant snowfall, travel may become difficult or impossible. Prepare to have enough essential items, including food and prescribed medications, to last for at least 72 hours or longer without needing to travel to stores.

If the forecast predicts freezing rain or sleet, prepare for the possibility of power outages. Ice accumulation on trees can cause them to break and bring down power lines, and heavy ice buildup alone can also take down lines without any additional impact.

For those who plan to use a generator, only connect it to your home or building. Backfeeding, or attempting to supply electricity to the main power grid with a generator, can damage your equipment and seriously endanger power company workers and emergency responders. Never connect a generator to a building that is still connected to the power grid, even if the main power is down. If you are unsure of how to safely operate a generator, contact a licensed electrician before storms arrive.

Local firefighters will be ready to respond to emergencies during the storm. If you experience a power outage or notice downed trees and power lines, report these issues to your energy provider. Only contact 911 if there is a potential risk of injury or fire from the situation. If there is no immediate threat to people or animals, routine power grid problems should not be reported to 911.

Emergency personnel will be placing yellow caution tape on vehicles that have been checked and cleared after incidents. If you see a vehicle in a ditch with yellow caution tape on the door handle, mirror, or antenna, it indicates that responders have already checked it and removed anyone who may have been inside. Unless you see someone still inside, there is no need to report the vehicle to 911 again.

In the coming days, stay informed by checking multiple weather sources, assemble a preparedness kit, and take steps now to get ready for whatever conditions may develop.