Inclement Weather Advisory How Brunswick County Homeowners Can Prepare for Extreme Cold and Potential Snow

How Brunswick County Homeowners Can Prepare for Extreme Cold and Potential Snow

A significant Arctic cold front is forecast to sweep across southeastern North Carolina this weekend, bringing the potential for freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and dangerous road conditions. While Brunswick County is no stranger to hurricanes and tropical systems, severe winter weather remains a rare — and therefore underestimated — threat along the coast.

That rarity is precisely what makes this type of event more dangerous.

Homes, infrastructure, and even emergency response systems in coastal North Carolina are designed primarily for heat, humidity, and storms, not sustained freezing temperatures. When prolonged cold arrives, it exposes vulnerabilities in plumbing systems, power infrastructure, and transportation networks — often faster than homeowners expect.

At Discover NC Homes, we believe that informed homeowners are safer homeowners. The following advisory offers clear, practical, and field-tested guidance to help you protect your home, your family, and your investment — before conditions deteriorate.

Why This Storm Matters

Extreme cold events in Brunswick County create a convergence of risk factors:

• Homes are not fully winterized for extended freezes.
• Pipes often run through unconditioned crawlspaces and exterior walls.
• Power infrastructure is less hardened for ice accumulation.
• Roads and bridges lack heavy snow and ice treatment capacity.
• Emergency response times may increase due to hazardous travel conditions.

This means that minor preparation gaps can quickly escalate into major property damage or personal safety emergencies.

Preparation is not fear. It is responsible ownership.

Step 1: Protect Your Home from Freezing Damage

1. Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes

Frozen plumbing is the leading cause of winter-related home damage in southeastern coastal regions. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands — creating pressure that can rupture copper, PVC, and PEX lines alike. When temperatures rise, the resulting leaks often cause rapid and extensive flooding.

Immediate actions:

• Insulate exposed plumbing in crawlspaces, garages, attics, and exterior walls.
• Leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
• Let faucets drip slowly overnight during hard freezes.
• Disconnect garden hoses and cover or shut off exterior spigots.
• If you have irrigation systems, ensure they are winterized and drained.

Why this matters:
A single burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water per hour, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage in a matter of minutes.

2. Manage Indoor Heating Strategically

• Keep thermostats set no lower than 60°F, even if the home is vacant.
• Avoid sharp overnight temperature setbacks.
• Ensure heating systems are serviced, filters replaced, and airflow unobstructed.

Energy conservation should never override freeze protection.

3. Secure Outdoor Systems & Equipment

• Cover outdoor HVAC compressors if recommended by manufacturers.
• Secure patio furniture, grills, and décor against high winds and ice.
• Store hoses, pressure washers, and exposed equipment indoors.
• Protect pool pumps and plumbing from freezing.

Step 2: Prepare for Power Outages

Cold-weather power failures often last longer than hurricane outages because ice accumulation can restrict both access and repair efforts.

Essential 48-Hour Preparedness Kit

Every household should maintain at least two days of emergency supplies:

• Flashlights and spare batteries
• Portable phone chargers / battery banks
• Bottled drinking water
• Non-perishable food
• Prescription medications
• Blankets, layered clothing, and gloves

Generator Safety (If Applicable)

• Never operate generators inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, or near windows.
• Place generators at least 20 feet from all structures.
• Use outdoor-rated extension cords only.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries.

Carbon monoxide poisoning remains one of the deadliest winter storm hazards nationwide.

Step 3: Travel Only When Absolutely Necessary

Brunswick County roadways are not engineered for frequent snow and ice. Even small accumulations can produce highly dangerous driving conditions.

Ice forms rapidly on:

• Bridges and overpasses
• Shaded roadways
• Rural highways
• Secondary and residential streets

If travel cannot be avoided:

• Reduce speed dramatically.
• Increase following distance.
• Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
• Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle, including blankets, water, and phone chargers.

Step 4: Protect Vacant Homes, Rental Properties & Second Residences

For owners of vacation homes, rental properties, and second residences, winter storms present amplified risk.

Critical actions:

• Set thermostats no lower than 60°F.
• Shut off water at the main valve if properties will be vacant.
• Drain plumbing lines where possible.
• Arrange for neighbors, caretakers, or property managers to inspect properties.
• Install smart leak detectors and remote temperature monitoring systems.

Unoccupied homes account for a disproportionate share of freeze-related insurance claims.

Step 5: Know Who to Call — Before You Need To

During widespread weather events, calling the correct number helps emergency services prioritize life-threatening situations.

🚓 Police (Non-Emergency)

Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office
📞 910-253-2777
🌐 brunswicksheriff.com

🚒 Fire Department (Non-Emergency – St. James Area)

St. James Fire Department
📞 910-253-9990
🌐 townofstjamesnc.org

(Residents outside St. James should contact their local fire departments.)

🏛 Brunswick County Government (Main Line)

📞 800-442-7033
🌐 brunswickcountync.gov

When to Call 911 Immediately

Call 911 for:

• Fires
• Medical emergencies
• Gas leaks
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Life-threatening situations

Calm Preparation Prevents Crisis

Extreme winter weather in coastal North Carolina is uncommon — but that very rarity makes it more hazardous. A community accustomed to hurricanes is often less prepared for freezing conditions, even though the risks to property and life can be just as severe.

Thoughtful preparation today prevents emergency response tomorrow.

From everyone at Discover NC Homes, we encourage homeowners, residents, and property investors to take proactive steps, remain alert, and prioritize safety as this cold front moves through Brunswick County.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.