RALEIGH ń Governor Bev Perdue has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina due to the winter storm impacting most of the state. The declaration, made as a precautionary measure, enables the governor to deploy extra resources to respond to the storm.

The State Emergency Operations Center was activated this morning to provide support to local governments and to assess the stateís needs in the coming days.

ěThe state emergency response team is up and running and we are monitoring this storm closely,î Governor Perdue said. ěThe stormís largest impact this morning is primarily to North Carolinaís roads, and I urge citizens who do not have to drive to stay at home today.î

The precipitation that has fallen across most of the Tar Heel state is expected to refreeze on roadways tonight, making for potentially treacherous conditions through tomorrow. The Department of Transportation is working around the clock to treat and plow roads on a priority basis.

ěOur preparations are working but motorists need to do their part, too,î said Perdue.

She urges citizens to stay tuned to their local news stations for the latest official recommendations and local road conditions, and said that state employees should adhere to the adverse weather policy.

According to the adverse weather policy, state employees should stay at home if they feel that adverse weather conditions prevent them from reporting safely to work. Employees will have the option of using their leave balances or make up the hours at a later date. More information about the adverse weather policy can be obtained by calling the Office of State Personnel at (919) 807-4800.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported numerous accidents around the state with most occurring in the Triangle and Triad areas. Many of the interstates are partially covered in snow and most of the secondary roads are completely covered. Troopers advised motorists to stay off the road if at all possible and, if they must go out, to use extreme caution when driving in mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain.

Perdue praised state agencies, especially the Department of Transportation, for moving quickly in advance of the storm, particularly since Monday was a state holiday. DOT crews started treating bridges, overpasses and major highways yesterday and through last night with an anti-icing solution and starting salting the roads once the precipitation started.

The N.C. Division of Emergency Management is in constant communication with the National Weather Service and is coordinating with local emergency agencies.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol has additional troopers to handle calls for service and crashes. Anyone who must drive should increase following distance and decrease speed. Motorists should be aware that black ice on the roadways is possible when moisture covers the roadway and temperatures are near or below freezing.

People are urged to contact emergency officials only for emergency situations. Please do not call 911 or the Highway Patrol for road conditions. The lines must remain clear for emergency calls. To check road conditions, please visit www.ncdot.org and click on Traffic and Travel Conditions or call 511.
While there have been no reports of widespread power outages, Gov. Perdue offered the following safety tips in the event of a loss of electricity:

? Do not use charcoal grills or generators indoors.
? Turn off electrical appliances that were on when the power went off to avoid a power surge when the electricity is restored.
? Use flashlights. Do not use candles; they greatly increase the chance of having a fire in your home.
? Limit your activities to no more than two rooms and close off unneeded rooms.
? Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors and cover windows at night.
? Remember to eat and drink regularly. Food provides the body with energy to produce its own heat.
? Keep the body replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
? Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Layering clothes keeps you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.