According to a story in the Citizen-Times, “‘We’re asking citizens who come downtown Friday and Saturday to park in city parking garages so trucks can completely plow streets,’ said Public Works Director Cathy Ball. Parking will be free in all city garages beginning at 6 p.m. today until the storm event is over and streets are in good condition.” (Read the full story here.)
Currently, city bus service is slated to operate on its regular schedule unless roadways become dangerous. For updates on bus service go to ashevilletransit.com or call 253-5691.
Other events still on schedule include, according to WLOS, Willie Nelson’s Saturday concert at the Civic Center and The All That Jazz event at the Grove Park Inn.
Sadly, The Orange Peel reports, “Due to the impending winter storm, the Delbert McClinton show has been rescheduled to Friday, April 9. All tickets already purchased will be honored at the April 9 show. If you are unable to attend the new show date, go to the box office if you purchased tickets at the Orange Peel for a refund; contact Ticketweb for a refund if you purchased tickets online or over the phone. We apologize for any inconvenience.”
The Red Cross will be opening a shelter location at 7 p.m. today (Friday) at the Trinity Baptist Church, located at 216 Shelburne Road (exit 1B off of I-26). For info, go to redcrosswnc.org or call 258-3888.
WLOS reported this morning that December’s snowstorm caused a problem among patients using oxygen who either lost power or ran out of oxygen. Those patients should prepare for power outages and ask providers for an ample supply. Also on the WLOS Web site: “Progress Energy Prepares for Outages. Several inches of snow and possible freezing rain may cause significant power outages. Progress Energy asks folks to be ready for that possibility. Report outages to 1-800-419-6356.” Progress Energy can also be reached online and on Twitter @progressenergy. For Twitter users, the company tweeted today, “Don’t forget to charge your cell phone today. Then you can report an outage and follow us on Twitter for updates. #ncwx #snOMG”
Click here to access a Progress Energy outage map.
The power company provides some safety tips, such as, “If you see a downed line, you should assume it is energized and stay away from it — then call Progress Energy to report it. Keep children away from flooded areas as the water could be hiding an energized line.” Click here for more safety information.
Storm tips, including “Create (or inventory/update) an emergency supply kit to help you save valuable time later. Remember, your supply kit should be made up of everything you need for at least two weeks, especially medicines and other supplies that may be hard to find,” can be found here.
Some other storm preparedness tips include:
• Keep extra blankets in your cars and home.
• Stock a three-day supply of food, water, medicine and other key items in case you are snowed in.
• Do not drive if possible; have at least a half tank of gas in automobiles in case travel is necessary.
Government agency FEMA has extensive storm-preparedness tips here. Top suggestions include, “Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove” and “Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.”
FEMA’s car kit includes:
“a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, fluorescent distress flag.”
— Alli Marshall, A&E reporter
lolwut, this is my graduation photo from the December snow, not this one.