Winter Storm Prep
We are here for you and want to help you be prepared for the storm.
What winter storms can cause
Ice and snow damage can disrupt power for days and can threaten property and life. During a winter storm emergency, restoring power and heat is the highest priority, and utility crews work around the clock. Even so, it can take days to repair severe storm damage.
If you are recovering after a storm
Avoid going outside if possible. Downed power lines can be submerged in snow and ice and difficult to identify. Treat all downed and hanging lines as energized: stay away, warn others, and immediately contact your utility company. Downed lines do not have to be arcing, sparking, or moving to be live and deadly.
📱 Stay Connected
Staying informed during a winter storm can help you stay safe and get updates faster.
- Follow Lumbee River EMC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Sign up for outage text and email alerts through your member portal.
- Report outages using our Outage Map or by calling (910)-843-4131.
Tips to prepare your home
- Before winter sets in, update your insulation, caulk, and install weatherstripping.
- Call your utility company or professional tree trimmers to cut branches away from your home and power lines.
- Find more tips to prepare your home for Old Man Winter.
Prepare an emergency kit
- Battery-powered radio and flashlights with fresh batteries
- Extra blankets
- Water for drinking and washing
- Non-perishable food and a can opener
- First aid kit and prescription medicines
When a storm hits
- Switch off lights and appliances to prevent damage and overloading circuits when power is restored. Leave one lamp or light switch on as a signal when power returns.
- Keep faucets turned on slightly so water drips and helps prevent pipes from freezing. Know how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
- Do not use charcoal grills or gas ovens to heat your home; this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Stay inside and dress in warm, layered clothing.
- Follow operating instructions for alternative heat sources, use fire safeguards, and properly ventilate. Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
- Stuff towels and rags underneath doors to keep the heat in.
- Cover windows at night.
Staying warm and safe
- Maintain a regular diet. Food provides the body with energy for creating its own heat.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Move around to keep warm, but not enough to perspire. Perspiring causes the body to lose fluids which could potentially lead to dehydration.
- Keep a close eye on the temperature in your home. Infants or persons over age 65 are more susceptible to the cold. You may want to stay with friends, relatives, or in a shelter if you can’t keep your home warm.
If you see downed or hanging power lines, stay away, warn others to stay away, and immediately contact your utility company. Lines do not have to be sparking to be live.
Additional Resources
These trusted resources provide helpful information on winter storm safety and preparedness. This section will continue to be updated as more resources become available.
Emergency & White Flag Shelters
The following emergency and White Flag shelters are open to provide a warm, safe place during winter weather. Availability may change based on conditions. Please call ahead when possible.
Robeson County
- Lumberton Christian Care
220 E Second St, Lumberton, NC
Please call for information - Eden Global Ministries
1202 N Pine St, Lumberton, NC
Arrival: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM - Robeson County Church & Community Center
590 W 5th St, Lumberton, NC
Arrival: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Sacred Pathways
Pembroke, NC
Cumberland County
- Westover Recreation Center
Emergency shelter opens Saturday at 10:00 a.m. - The Salvation Army of the Sandhills Region
Emergency shelter opens Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
White Flag shelter beginning Friday, January 23 - Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center
White Flag shelter beginning Friday, January 23
Transportation to shelters will be available while conditions allow. Call 910-600-7299 for assistance. Families must bring car seats.
Hoke County
- Robert A. Wright Building
645 E Palmer St, Raeford, NC 28376
Arrival: 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 23, 2026
Moore County
- Moore County Sports Complex
155 Hillcrest Park Lane, Carthage, NC 28327
Opens Friday, January 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Operated by Moore County DSS, Moore County Health Department, and the American Red Cross
Scotland County
- Scotland High School – New Gym
1000 West Church Street, Laurinburg, NC
Opens Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 12:00 PM
This shelter list will continue to be updated as additional locations or changes become available.
