Forsyth County Prepares for Winter Storm Fern: Essential Safety Steps

Winter Storm Fern prompted Forsyth County officials to urge residents to take immediate steps to reduce risks from power outages, frozen pipes and carbon-monoxide exposure. The guidance stressed practical actions households can take now to protect health, heating and property as crews work to keep critical infrastructure running.

County emergency management issued detailed instructions January 22 recommending that residents fill needed prescriptions and top off vehicle fuel before conditions worsen. Households were advised to assemble emergency kits that include flashlights, batteries and extra blankets, and to establish a family communication plan so everyone knows how to stay in touch if phone service or travel are disrupted.

The guidance highlighted a key medical vulnerability: residents who rely on electrically powered medical devices should plan for alternate heat or shelter. That means arranging a backup power source, identifying a nearby friend or family member with reliable heat, or knowing the location of warming centers if battery backup is not feasible. Officials also urged people to consider transportation and medication continuity when making those plans.

Protecting plumbing was another focal point. To reduce the risk of burst pipes, residents were told to drip faucets and open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes. These low-cost steps can prevent costly water damage and lengthy repairs that often follow winter freezes.

Generator safety received specific attention. The guidance explained how to operate portable generators outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon-monoxide buildup inside homes. Residents were warned that improper generator use poses life-threatening carbon-monoxide risks and were encouraged to review manufacturer instructions and to place generators on stable, dry surfaces.

For real-time information, the notice directed residents to county alerts, utility outage maps and local media for updates on road conditions, service interruptions and recovery timelines. Those channels will be the primary source of official notices about school closures, emergency shelters and power restoration estimates.

The local significance is practical and immediate: small investments in preparation reduce the chance of medical emergencies, property damage and strain on first responders. Forsyth County households that follow the recommended steps are less likely to need emergency rescues and more likely to maintain safe indoor temperatures during outages.

As recovery progresses, residents should monitor county alerts and utility maps, follow safety guidance for heaters and generators, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Taking these steps now helps Forsyth County weather Winter Storm Fern with fewer injuries, lower property losses and a faster community rebound.