Local
Are You Ready for a Winter Storm?
Tips and advice on how to prepare for a winter storm
Christopher Tucker, Emergency Services Director / CEM of the Warren County Emergency Services shares tips and advice on how to prepare for a winter storm.
THINGS TO DO BEFORE A WINTER STORM
1. Prepare Your Home and Family
Check your heating system to ensure it is functioning properly. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have enough fuel.
Inspect your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal any gaps to keep the cold air out.
Stock up on essentials such as non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, and batteries. Aim for at least a 72-hour supply.
Charge all electronic devices (phones, tablets, flashlights, etc.) to ensure they are ready in case of power outages.
Prepare an emergency kit with blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, candles, and extra warm clothing.
Know your local emergency shelters and how to reach them in case you need to evacuate or seek refuge.
2. Ensure Your Vehicle Is Ready
Top off your gas tank to prevent your fuel line from freezing and to ensure you have enough fuel during an emergency.
Check your tires for adequate tread and proper inflation. Keep tire chains in the car if needed.
Have an emergency car kit with essentials such as a shovel, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, jumper cables, and sand or salt for traction.
Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition and top off windshield washer fluid.
3. Prepare for Snow Removal
Shovel and salt: Make sure you have a snow shovel and a bag of salt or sand to use on driveways, sidewalks, and steps. Consider using a snow blower if you have one.
Clear your gutters: Remove any leaves or debris that could prevent proper drainage, which could lead to ice buildup during the storm.
4. Stay Informed
Monitor weather updates from trusted sources, such as local news, the National Weather Service, or weather apps.
Sign up for local emergency alerts to receive real-time information and warnings about the storm.
5. Ensure the Safety of Your Pets
Bring pets indoors before the storm begins. If they must stay outside, provide proper shelter with enough warmth and protection.
Stock up on pet food to ensure you have enough for the duration of the storm.
6. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors
Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to make sure they are prepared for the storm and have necessary supplies.
Offer assistance with tasks like bringing in outdoor furniture, stocking up on food, or clearing driveways if possible.
7. Prepare for Power Outages
Have alternative light sources such as flashlights and candles in case of power outages.
Unplug sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and appliances to prevent potential damage from power surges when the electricity returns.
8. Stay Off the Roads
Avoid driving during the snowstorm unless absolutely necessary. If travel is essential, take extra precautions by ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready.
9. Review Your Insurance and Property Protection
Check your insurance coverage to ensure you are protected in case of damage caused by snow and ice (e.g., roof collapse or broken pipes).
Remove or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
10. Plan Your Post-Storm Recovery
Develop a plan for post-storm cleanup. Have a plan for clearing snow, checking for potential damage, and taking care of any fallen trees or branches.
Please take these actions seriously and prepare ahead of time. By planning and acting early, we can ensure our community remains safe and resilient in the face of the upcoming winter snowstorm.
Stay safe,
Warren County Emergency Services
For more information, follow the Warren County Emergency Services Facebook page.
Local
NCDOT Hosts Rail Outreach for Mobility Hub in Warren County
The N.C. Department of Transportation and Warren County will host a community meeting next week for the proposed Norlina Mobility Hub.
Officials will soon be developing design plans for a mobility hub that could transform Warren County.
The NC Department of Transportation and Warren County will host a community meeting next week, Tuesday, February 25 for the proposed Norlina Mobility Hub. The hub would allow people to access different modes of transportation from a central location.
“We’re excited to be working closely with Warren County residents to share information about the mobility hub project and hear how we can work together to get the community ready for rail and bring additional economic activity to the county,” said Brennon Fuqua, director of NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division.
The open house will last from 5-8 p.m.at the Warren County Armory, 501 U.S. Hwy 158 Bus E. in Warrenton. People may drop in at any time. The NCDOT Rail and Integrated Mobility Divisions will update the public about the status of the S-Line program, the work done to date on the Mobility Hub Study and seek feedback. The S-Line Raleigh to Richmond Passenger Rail Project is a partnership between the NCDOT and the Virginia Rail Passenger Authority to develop an abandoned freight corridor into a future highly efficient passenger rail service. It will connect communities between Raleigh, N.C. and Richmond, V.A.
As part of the S-Line rail project, NCDOT’s Integrated Mobility Division is studying design options for mobility hubs in several communities, including Norlina, in Warren County.
A mobility hub is a public facility that brings together a rail station with “last=mile” transportation options, such as ride sharing, regional transportation, community amenities and other services. These hubs offer safe solutions to get off the train and use a bike, shuttle, ride sharing service or other mode to finish their trip.
To learn more about IMD and the mobility hub projects, visit NCDOT.gov. Follow Integrated Mobility on Twitter/X @NCDOT_IMD and LinkedIn at NCDOT Integrated Mobility Division.
Culture
PHOTOS: Heritage Cultural Farm Black History Month Program
Guests were treated to a documentary showing, hot food, and a compilation of Dr. King’s speeches
During a brisk Saturday afternoon, several gathered inside a well-heated tent at the Heritage Cultural Farm for their first Black History Month program. The program featured a documentary showing that reflected African American figures and stories that have yet to reach mainstream recognition. Herman and Veronica Alston, co-owners of the Heritage Cultural Farm welcomed everyone and treated the attendees with homemade chicken soup and sausage biscuits from their friend, Larry Andrews. Andrews, a Franklin County resident enlightened attentive listeners with a compilation of Dr. MLK speeches, intertwining familiar and lesser known speeches (watch below).
For those looking for a little retail therapy, the Country Store on the property was open and filled with products derived from North Carolina producers.
The next event is scheduled for Saturday, March 1st featuring the Heritage Quilters. The local artisan group will speak about the history of quilting.
The Heritage Cultural Farm is located at 102 Clint Street in Warrenton, NC.
VIDEO: Larry Andrews recites Dr. MLK speeches
Government
Warren County Native Appointed Wake Forest Interim Police Chief
Jefferson, who had served as Captain since 2020, succeeds Jeff Leonard who retired February 1.
[WAKE FOREST, NC] The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce Julius Jefferson as its Interim Police Chief. Jefferson, who had served as Captain since 2020, succeeds Jeff Leonard who retired February 1.
A Warren County native and WCHS graduate (1992), Jefferson began his career with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in 1996 as a Detention Officer. In 1999 he was promoted to Detention Sergeant, a position he held until starting Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) at Vance-Granvile Community College in January 2006. He graduated from BLET later that year.
In September 2006, Jefferson began working with the Wake Forest Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Since then, he has worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Impact Sergeant, Traffic Sergeant, Impact Lieutenant, and Impact Captain. He has also served on the Wake County Traffic Safety Task Force.
Jefferson earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Vance-Granville Community College in 1996 and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from UNC Pembroke in 2023. He attended the 69th session of the Administrative Officers Management Program through NC State in 2014, FBI-LEEDA Trilogy (Executive Leadership, Command Leadership, and Supervisor Leadership) 2020-21, FBI Command College in 2022, and Ethical Leadership and Leadership on the Line in 2023.
When he’s not working, Jefferson enjoys watching movies, carpentry, and attending car shows.
“Julius Jefferson’s experience and community knowledge make him the perfect person to succeed Chief Leonard,” said Town Manager Kip Padgett. “He is highly capable and highly respected. He has also demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout his career with the Wake Forest Police Department. I am confident he is the right person to serve as our Interim Chief.”
A permanent police chief will be named later this year following a comprehensive search process.
-
Entertainment5 months agoPHOTOS: DubFest 2024
-
Entertainment7 months agoPHOTOS: Jazz on the Farm @ Heritage Cultural Farm
-
Community3 years agoPHOTOS: National Day of Prayer 🙏
-
Local5 months agoPHOTOS: 3rd Annual Dinner Off Main
-
Local7 months agoPHOTOS: Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival 2024
-
Culture6 months agoPHOTOS: WARR 1520-103.5 50th Anniversary 2024 + Performance by Angel King + the TNT Girlz
-
Food3 years agoFLASHBACK: Mill Hill Brewery Grand Opening 🍻
-
Local6 months agoPHOTOS: Warren County Schools New Staff and Teachers Tour