State and county officials urge safety and other precautions as subfreezing winter temperatures persist in the area.
Temperatures Saturday are predicted predicted to reach a high of 47 degrees but decline overnight to a low of 23 degrees. While daytime temperatures are predicted to hover in the 40s for the next week, overnight temperatures are predicted to drop to subfreezing levels, in the 20s, according to the National Weather Service.
Tanya Osler, Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center director and veterinarian, said it’s important to limit time outside pets and provide insulated shelters for outdoor pets when temperatures decline during the winter months.
“As expected, animals are susceptible to the cold the same way we are,” Osler said. “They’re definitely more hardy and can tolerate much lower temperatures than say, you or I would be able to because they have a built-in fur coat, but they can still feel the cold.”
“The best thing to do for them in the winter is provide housing for them.”
Osler said even those with outdoor pets should find a shelter for them in the winter, whether in a garage, shed or doghouse.
However, it’s also important to insulate the shelter with a couple of inches of straw or cedar chips on the ground, Osler said.
“You need to use something that’s going to provide insulation without allowing it to hold the damp and moisture,” she said. “Hay, actually, holds a lot of moisture so it can cause them to get colder, as well as blankets and towels, particularly on those windy, blustery days.”
Osler said that even the dog igloos, which have gained popularity, don’t provide enough insulation.
“You do need to put something in there with them so that they're off the ground and have a bit of fluff underneath them,” Osler said.
People can also make feral boxes, which are made by placing one large Tupperware container in another container with insulation between the two containers. Cats and other small pets can burrow inside the feral box if a door hole is cut in each container.
Osler said people should consider leaving underbrush and leaf piles in their yards as well because cats can burrow under them for warmth. Additionally, mice and moles will often hide in leaf piles so stray cats can hunt for food in the underbrush.
The Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center is available to help residents keep animals warm and safe, Osler said. People can call animal control to request help with properly insulating an outdoor shelter and an officer will bring cedar chips or straw to their home.
To contact an animal control officer call 252-633-2357.
As temperatures continue to drop, some area residents may be pulling out space heaters to keep warm.
However, space heaters are a common source of home heating fires, often due to misuse or lack of proper maintenance, said State Fire Marshall Brian Taylor.
In 2023, North Carolina reported 146 fire fatalities, and while that number decreased to 122 in 2024, Taylor said people still need to exercise caution.
“Every year, we see tragic incidents caused by unsafe heating practices, unattended candles, and undetected carbon monoxide in homes,” said Taylor. “By following some simple safety tips, we can all protect ourselves and our loved ones from these dangers.”
Taylor said space heaters should be placed at least 3 feet away from potentially flammable items like furniture, bedding, curtains and clothing.
Space heaters should never be left unattended and should be turned off when no one is in the room or when people are going to sleep.
It’s also important to only use approved space heaters tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriter Laboratories, UL.
Taylor also said space heaters should be plugged directly into outlets, not extension cords or power strips.
Taylor said candles can be dangerous if left unattended or near flammable items.
To burn candles safely, they should be placed in a sturdy, heat-resistant holder that won’t easily tip over and kept at least 1 foot away from flammable items.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is another potential danger in the winter, since heating systems, fireplaces and portable generators, can all produce carbon monoxide, Taylor said.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if undetected.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea and confusion. If carbon monoxide exposure is suspected in a home, all occupants should immediately evacuate and call 911.
Taylor said carbon monoxide alarms are important to help monitor the presence of the gas. Alarms should be placed on every level in a home and outside.
Furnaces, fireplaces and fuel-burning appliances should be inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician to help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
Taylor also reminds people to never use generators indoors. They should only be used outside, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents.
“By taking these precautions, North Carolinians can work together to reduce fire-related tragedies and ensure the safety of their families during the cold weather season,” Taylor said.
