Preparations underway as arctic air inches closer to central NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Preparations are underway to ensure everyone has a way to escape the cold as the temperatures begin to drop

A Cold Weather Advisory will be in effect across Central North Carolina starting Sunday evening.

Over in the Bull City, the Durham Rescue Mission is activating Operation Rescue: Warm Shelter. Durham Rescue Mission CEO, the Rev. Rob Tart, said they want people to know they have a warm place to stay.

"Operation Rescue: Warm Shelter is when we open our doors to any and everybody that can come in, and we have no restrictions on them, essentially just come in and get out of the weather," he said. "I think we're getting well down into the low teens this coming week. That's deadly weather."

Joshua Shifflett is staying at the shelter. He said the Durham Rescue Mission provides him and others with more than just a warm bed and a hot meal.

"It's really cold outside to be sleeping outside," he said. "I don't have any identification because all my stuff was stolen. I'm from Virginia, so to get my stuff back is kind of complicated. So, I needed a warm place to stay to be able to, you know, get my head in the right place."

As the temperatures begin to drop, doctors say take steps to stay safe before going outside, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with chronic medical conditions.

UNC Medical Center Emergency Medicine Department Vice Chair of Operations Dr. Abhi Mehrotra said layers of clothing are key to doing that.

"Some sort of moisture-wicking on the most inner layer, a middle layer that's more insulating, so something like wool or fleece that can be insulating, and then an outer layer that protects you from the elements," he said.

Mehrotra said it's also important to know the warning signs of when prolonged cold exposure could become hypothermia.

"As the hypothermia gets progressive and worse, you can actually have confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness," he said.

Doctors suggest checking in on elderly neighbors as the air gets colder.

Car care in frigid weather

The cold air also has an effect on cars.

Matthew Sanders is the owner of Encore Automotive Diagnostics & Repairs. He said drivers need to make sure they top off fluids in their cars and make sure their battery is in good shape.

"This time of year, you have a lot of batteries that are marginal, and cold temperatures bring them back down to failure," he said. "The cold temperatures create a quicker breakdown when it comes to batteries and also tire pressure."

Also, now is the time to make a cold-weather kit to keep in a car, too, equipped with blankets, some food, and rechargeable batteries for electronic devices.

Those looking for help from the Durham Rescue Mission can find out more information about the mission here and can contact it by calling (919) 688-964.

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