Fayetteville, Cumberland County officials monitor weather as winter storm nears
Emergency officials in Fayetteville and Cumberland County are urging residents to prepare for potential winter weather this weekend.
The National Weather Service is calling for the possibility of snow, sleet or freezing rain in the area on Sunday.
The county’s Emergency Services department is closely monitoring the weather, according to a statement released Friday by county officials. Emergency officials encouraged residents to start getting ready for the storm, which is supposed to arrive this weekend, it said.
The city suspended Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) services on Sunday, saying the stoppage was due to the possibility of rough weather and staff shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension includes bus and FASTTRAC! Services, according to a statement released Friday by city officials.
More: Weather Permitting: What can the Fayetteville area expect from this weekend's winter storm?
Fayetteville officials urged residents to make a winter plan. Reduced traffic on roads during rough weather can help lower the risk for firefighters, police officers and emergency workers, the statement said.
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Some city employees, including those in the Public Services department, might work 12-hour shifts to get ready for the storm, according to the statement.
City workers plan to barricade roads in areas that have been trouble spots during previous storms, the statement said. Brine will be applied at fire stations, on city-owned bridges and at Fayetteville Regional Airport, it said.
Sgt. Jeremy Glass, a police spokesman, said that if road conditions deteriorate, drivers who must travel should stay several car lengths away from other vehicles.
“If power is out, treat intersections as four-way stops if an Officer is not there to direct traffic,” he said. “When temperatures drop, don’t leave your car running unattended at home or outside the store. Thieves will see it as a target.”
More: Weather Permitting: Winter storm headed to Fayetteville area Sunday. Here's what to expect.
County officials said residents shouldn’t travel unless necessary. In that case, a kit of disaster supplies should be in the vehicle.
Residents also should remember that snow and ice totals can vary greatly within short distances and that winter forecasts change frequently, the county statement said. They also should rely on dependable sources of weather information, it said.
County officials said residents should keep at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food and a gallon of water per person per day. Dry, seasoned wood also should be ready for fireplaces or wood-burning stoves, the statement said. Residents also should make sure they have plenty of blankets.
Charcoal grills and camp stoves should never be used indoors for cooking or heating because the fumes can be toxic, according to the county statement.
Rock salt or more environmentally safe ice-melting products should be in emergency kits, the statement said. Pets should be brought inside, it said.
Scott Bullard, Fayetteville’s emergency management coordinator, said that even if Sunday’s weather just brings cold rain, residents should remember some basic rules.
“Stay off the roads if you can be at home,” he said. “Dress for the cold season. Know signs of hypothermia. Check on your loved ones and neighbors.”
County officials encouraged residents to sign up for emergency alerts at the county's website by clicking on the “Cumberland Alerts” hot button.
More winter weather information is available on the state Department of Public Safety website, the county statement said.
Local news editor Steve DeVane can be reached at sdevane@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3572.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Fayetteville, Cumberland County officials monitor winter storm
