As winter weather approaches this weekend, Pender County Emergency Management is urging residents to prepare. The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a Winter Storm Watch and an Extreme Cold Watch for the region.

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the following conditions are likely over the next few days:

• Extreme cold air will bring significant and rare wind chills, with temperatures creating wind chills in the single digits on Saturday and Sunday nights.
• Hazardous winds and seas are expected along the coast, creating dangerous conditions for mariners. Gale-force winds are likely late Saturday into Sunday, with isolated gusts up to storm force possible, particularly near Surf City, NC.
• Increase for significant snow and associated impacts. Snowfall totals remain uncertain, but dry, powdery snow combined with frequent wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph will create dangerous driving conditions, reducing visibility and traction.
• Scattered power outages are expected due to the snow and wind.

Preparing now can help protect your family, pets, and property as freezing temperatures, snow, and hazardous winter conditions continue into the weekend and next week.

Residents are encouraged to take the following safety actions:

• Restock or update emergency kits to ensure essential supplies are ready
• Keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food to avoid unnecessary travel during hazardous conditions
• Use rock salt or ice melt products on walkways to reduce slips and falls
• Create or review family communication plans in case of power or cell service disruptions
• Avoid travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary, use extreme caution and allow extra time
• Check on older adults to ensure they have heat, food, medications, and working flashlights
• Monitor children outdoors. Limit time in the cold and ensure they are dressed in warm layers
• Bring pets indoors. Move outdoor animals to sheltered areas and provide access to unfrozen water
• Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors for heating or cooking. These devices produce toxic fumes that can be deadly
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. CO poisoning risk is higher in winter when homes are sealed. Fireplaces and gas heaters are potential sources of CO
• Charge your phones and other essential devices to stay connected in case of power outages

Residents should stay away from downed power lines and call 911 immediately. Do not touch a power line or anything in contact with it, and keep others away until help arrives.

Power outages can be reported as follows:

• Four County Electric: Call (888) 368-7289 or text OUTAGE to  (888) 368-7289 
• Duke Energy: Text OUT to 57801, report online, or call (800) 419-6356

Download the Pender County Emergency Management App. Visit your phone’s app store, search for Pender County EM and allow notifications to receive emergency alerts, weather updates and important safety information.