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Storm Prep - Details You Need

Here's the detailed information you'll want to have on hand if the winter storm causes much damage.

Shannon Moretz

Shannon Moretz

— 4 min read
Storm Prep - Details You Need

Caswell County Emergency Management (EM) and 19 other agencies came together on Thursday to walk through response plans and responsibilities in preparation for the severe winter weather forecasted for the weekend.

These 35-40 individuals are just a handful of the folks who will be leading storm response efforts and they want Caswell County residents to have the information they need if the storm is as severe as forecasted.

Yarbrough, who is currently serving as Interim Director for Caswell Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management and Kenneth Everett, Director of 911 Communications both highlighted the critical role that Caswell's volunteer fire departments play in storm response as they explained what will happen when the storm hits.

What to Expect

  • Public safety agencies are staffing up this weekend to make sure there are additional officers, emergency medical personnel, and ambulances available to respond.
  • Volunteers with Caswell's Volunteer Fire Departments are checking their chainsaws, filling their gas cans, and preparing their vehicles. In addition to responding to fires, medical calls, and vehicle crashes, they are usually the ones removing downed trees from the roadway during damaging storms.
  • Once the storm begins, it is all hands on deck until the danger has passed and the work is done.

Caswell 911 Center's call volume and radio traffic increases significantly during severe winter weather. Residents seeking information during the storm are encouraged to use the following resources to keep lines open for emergencies.

Widespread or Prolonged Power Outages

Areas outside of Yanceyville, particularly in the northern portion of the county, are prone to widespread, prolonged power outages. IF that happens, the Fire Station in that community will be opened and staffed by volunteers 8am-8pm. These community-based support locations will serve as warming and changing station, and will have running water available.

Caswell EM says that these locations are NOT FULL SHELTERS, but are intended to keep help, information, and basic resources close to home within each fire district. The list below links to the department's Facebook page.

The county has plans in place to open two 24-hour shelter IF it becomes necessary.

Updated Sat, January 24 at 1:26 pm to add: "Per Caswell County: SHELTER LOCATIONS (if activated):Primary emergency shelters will be Providence Fire & Rescue and Prospect Hill Fire Department. These two shelters will only open if a demonstrated public need exists and County criteria are met based on widespread or prolonged power outages, storm-related damage, and safety concerns impacting residents. When activated, shelters will provide cots for sleeping, basic meals, and personal hygiene facilities."

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To report a power outage or get an estimate of when power will be restored, please contact your electric utility provider directly.

Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation - Power Outage Map, 800.222.3107, or text “pemc” to 800-222-3107 to opt in and then “#out” to report an outage. For outage updates, text “#status”. Online or Mobile App

Duke Energy Carolinas/Progress - Power Outage Map, Report your outage by texting OUT to 57801, report online or call 800.419.6356, Mobile App

Stay Informed

Caswell County government will share official updates through three primary information sources during this winter weather event:

How are the roads?

This is a question callers will frequently call 911 to ask. Public safety leaders all agree that if the storm moves in as predicted, Caswell residents should assume the roads are bad and PLEASE STAY HOME!

Trees Down

If a tree is blocking the roadway, on a power line, or on a residence, please call 911. ASSUME ALL POWER LINES ARE LIVE AND DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MOVE

Disabled Vehicles

If you must abandon your vehicle in or along the roadway, please call the non-emergency line at 336-694-2555 or 911 to let them know.

First responders plan to tag abandoned vehicles they have checked with yellow caution tape. If you come across a wrecked or abandoned vehicle that has not been tagged with the yellow tape, please call 911 so first responders can investigate.

Closings & Delays

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