Commissioner Causey urges North Carolinians to prepare for cold and wintry weather

RALEIGH

Jan 7, 2025

With cold temperatures already affecting the state and the possibility of wintry weather this weekend, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is reminding North Carolinians to prioritize fire safety when using portable heaters and take precautions when traveling on icy or snow-covered roads.

Last year, there were 119 home fire deaths in North Carolina, many related to home heating. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in the U.S., with nearly 90% of fire deaths involving space heaters.

"Space heaters are a common cause of home fires, but they are also one of the easiest risks to avoid," said Commissioner Causey. "Remember to follow safety guidelines, never leave heaters unattended, and keep them away from anything that can burn."

Heating Safety Tips:

• Place space heaters on a hard, level surface. Never put them on a table or other elevated surface.
• Maintain a 3-foot zone around the heater free of children, pets, and any combustible materials such as furniture, bedding, or curtains.
• Never leave a space heater running when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Make sure your home has working smoke alarms installed on every level and in each bedroom. Test them monthly to ensure they're functioning properly.

Commissioner Causey also reminds drivers to be cautious, as parts of North Carolina-particularly in the western regions-could see a mix of wintry weather later this week, leading to hazardous road conditions.

"Snow, ice, and freezing rain can make roads slippery and dangerous," said Causey. "Drive slowly, leave extra space between vehicles, and be prepared for sudden changes in weather and road conditions."

Travel Safety Tips:

• Slow down. It takes longer to stop or control your vehicle on snow or ice-covered roads. Increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react.
• Before driving, always clear ice or snow from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and lights.
• Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your car, including items such as blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
• Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers are properly buckled up. For children, make sure car seats are properly installed and avoid bulky coats that can interfere with safety straps.

For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit: www.ncdoi.gov/are-you-prepared-winter-weather.

Related Topics:

• NCDOI

  NC Department of Insurance Press Release

NCDOI News

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