Caldwell County Emergency Services is urging citizens to prepare for possible power outages and being home-bound for a few days, if the upcoming winter storm progresses as expected this weekend.

"The National Weather Forecast is predicting anywhere from 6 to 10 inches of snow for the Caldwell County area and the mountains," Caldwell County Emergency Services Director Tommy Courtner said Thursday afternoon. "The information we have is that the system has slowed down and fortunately, the heavy snow is now expected to fall overnight Friday night when folks will mostly be at home. We are preparing the 4x4 ambulance for any calls, and all EMS vehicles are being prepared for winter weather conditions.

"We are encouraging citizens to prepare themselves as well. There could be some high winds with this system, so there is the danger of trees and power lines coming down."

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Caldwell County through Saturday evening. Conditions are expected to deteriorate this afternoon as rain and snow later changes to all snow during the evening and overnight hours.

In advance of the system, Emergency Services has issued the following weather preparations:

* Dressing for cold weather: Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear mittens instead of gloves. Wear a hat, keep the head warm. Remember that entrapped, insulating air, warmed by body heat is the best protection. * Avoid Overexertion: The strain from cold temperatures and heavy labor such as shoveling, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow may cause a heart attack in older and less physically fit individuals.

* Winterize Your Vehicle: Be prepared. Avoid automobile gas line freeze ups by keeping your tank greater than half full at all times. Make sure that your car has adequate antifreeze. Make sure that your tires have good traction and are inflated to the right pressure. Make sure that your heater and defroster work properly. Make sure that your battery is not more than 3 years old and that it can carry a full charge. Make sure that you have a good ice scraper.

* Carry a Winter-Survival Safety Kit in your vehicle: Bring along blankets and a bright piece of cloth to tie on your antenna if you become stranded. Flashlight with spare batteries. Extra change of clothing to keep dry. Non-perishable foods such as candy bars, canned goods, or high calorie food like energy bars. A can and waterproof matches (used to melt snow for drinking water). A compass, shovel and sand, tow rope, and jumper cables.

* Before traveling: Check the latest forecast from Local Radio and TV. Check the latest road conditions. Let someone know where you are going and when you think you will reach your destination.

* If you become stranded in your vehicle during a winter storm: Stay in your car, truck, or minivan. Run the engine at 10-minute intervals for heat. Maintain proper ventilation by making sure the exhaust pipe is not plugged. Leave the windows open slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a bright cloth to your antenna or door handle. Turn on the dome light at night, but only when running the engine.

* At home, do the following: Have your furnace checked before you need to use it. Seal any windows that you suspect allow cold air into the house with caulking or plastic. Include a home safety kit that includes extra non-perishable food for 24 to 72 hours, medicine, and battery operated radio. Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy. Keep candles and matches handy for extended periods of electrical loss.

* If you lose heat in your home: Seal off any unused rooms by stuffing towels or rags in the cracks under the door. Cover the windows with blankets or sheets at night if you have some extras available. Use only devices that are designed for heating indoors during an emergency as a heat source and handle all safety precautions.

For more information, contact Caldwell County Emergency Services at (828) 757-1424 or Caldwell County Public Information Officer LouAnne Kincaid at (828) 759-7879.

Electrical contractors class rescheduled

The Caldwell County Central Permitting/Building Inspections Department has rescheduled a class for electrical contractors that was set for Saturday, due to the predicted winter storm.

The continuing education class "Revisions and Review of the NEC" for electrical contractors has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 6 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Caldwell County Human Services Building in Lenoir.

For more information, contact the Caldwell County Central Permitting Department at (828) 426-8585.