Caldwell County Offices and convenience sites will be closed on Friday due to potential flooding. The county is under a state of emergency and offers the following reminders to residents:
- Have enough food, water and medicine on hand at all times to last you at least 3 days in the case of an emergency. Be sure to have batteries, blankets, flashlights, first aid kit, rubber boots, rubber gloves, and a NOAA Weather Radio or other battery-operated radio easily available.
- Always be aware that the roadbed under flood waters may be severely damaged. NEVER drive around road barriers or through flooded roadways. It is not only illegal, it's unwise.
- Remember a mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
- Emergency Services also reminds citizens not to call 911 for power outages. Residents should call their power provider.
- Duke Energy 1-800-POWERON (769-3766)
- Blue Ridge Energy 1-800-448-2383
- Granite Falls Electric 828-396-3358
- Rutherford Electric 1-800-228-9756