WFMY News 2 wants to make sure you stay safe and on top of the latest weather alerts as we're expecting severe weather.
There are a few things you should do now to prepare.
Severe Weather Alerts
Get the latest WFMY News 2 Severe Weather Alerts right to your phone. Chief Meteorologist Grant Gilmore walks you through the process of how to get alerts for your area and surrounding.
Be Ready
A severe weather radio can mean the difference between life and death in a storm. They're rather inexpensive, most around around $30-$40.
Tornado Safety
In the case of a tornado warning, here are some tips for staying safe depending on where you are when the storm hits.
House/Stand-alone building:
- Get to the lowest level possible
- Go to an area with as many walls between you as possible
- Get in a bathtub or interior closet
Mobile Home:
- Get out of the mobile home and get in a sturdy building if possible
- Get out of the mobile home and hunker in a ditch
- If no ditch or building is nearby, plan ahead and get to a sturdy building ahead of time.
Apartment:
- Get to the lowest level (go to a neighbor's apartment on the first floor)
- Regardless of what floor you're on, get in a bathtub or interior closet
- If you are on a higher level and can't get to a lower apartment, hunker down in the breezeway of the apartment building
Car:
- If possible, pull over, park, get inside a building and out of the storm
- If you have to stay in your car, try to find a ditch to park in and use your emergency break
- DO NOT park under a bridge or overpass
Miscellaneous Tips for Keeping Safe in a Tornado:
- Cover yourself with a mattress, sleeping bags, or pillows
- Wear a helmet to protect your head
- Hunker down as much as possible
Power Line Safety
Safety Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging during a winter storm. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Report downed power lines to your local power company and to your police department.
If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Reporting Power Outages
Duke Energy: 1-800-POWERON, 1-800-769-3766 Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online
Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356
NC Electrical Cooperatives: 1-888-411-7870
Energy United: 1-800-386-4833
Randolph Electric: 1-877-736-2633
Piedmont Electric: 1-800-449-2667
Surry-Yadkin Electric: 336-356-8241
City of Lexington Electric: 336-248-2337
City of High Point Electric: 336-883-3111
Join the WFMY News 2 Team:
When it's safe (and ONLY when it's safe!), your reports help us see what's happening in every corner of our coverage area. Send photos and videos to myphotos@wfmy.com or news@wfmy.com
You can also upload your pictures using the WFMY News 2 App.
Also post pictures on the WFMY News 2's Facebook page plus like the page for updates and tag us on your Twitter Post @WFMY using #WFMYWX
Follow Us on Twitter
@WFMYWeather
@WFMY
@Grant_Gilmore
@TimBuckleyWx
@EdMatthews2
@EricChilton
Other Twitter Handles to Follow for emergency updates:
@NCEmergency
@NCPublicSafety
@ReadyGov
@FEMA
Stay connected 24/7 via WFMY News 2
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For News Tips: news@wfmy.com or 336-379-9316
Pictures and Videos: myphotos@wfmy.com
