Asheville Reporter

County of Buncombe issued the following announcement on Dec. 26.

Extreme cold temperatures are expected in Buncombe County this weekend with wind chills below zero. 

Take precautions now and stay safe with these tips from the Buncombe County Fire Marshal and Buncombe County Emergency Services/Public Safety Communications (911):

- Stay indoors as much as possible

- Minimize travel, but take a winter survival kit (food, water, blankets, pet food, medication) if you do travel

- Disconnect all outdoor hoses, learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts, and leave faucets dripping

- Bring pets indoors

- Do not place generators inside any structure, included carports, garages, and sheds

- Check on the elderly

- You should never use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater. Always keep it on the floor three feet from the wall and anything else flammable

- Do not use an oven as a heating source

Code Purple is now in effect and is expected to continue throughout the holiday weekend. Bus transportation on ART is free during Code Purple events. 

For more information, visit www.ridetheart.com. If there are medical emergencies among individuals who are unhoused, Buncombe County Emergency Medical Services should be called at 828-318-4179. 

Follow Asheville Homeless Coalition for up-to-date shelter information for unhoused individuals.

 Original source can be found here.