Updated Sept. 29, 7:45 p.m. with park cancellations and closings.
Due to anticipated inclement weather from Tropical Storm Ian, Mecklenburg County government will close offices at noon on Friday, Sept. 30. Employees who are eligible to telework are encouraged to do so, with essential employees expected to check with their managers for information on their work schedules.
CharMeck 311 and 911 emergency services remain active.
CharMeck 311 will operate on a normal schedule Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., and has extended operating hours to Saturday, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Outside those hours, callers can report water, sewer, stormwater and animal issues via an automated service that dispatches assistance. Many service requests can be made
online, 24/7. Please call 911 for any emergencies.
Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services hotlines operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect. To report abuse of seniors or the disabled, call 704-336-CARE (2273). To report abuse, neglect or human trafficking of children, call 980-31-HELPS (43577).
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has cancelled all recreation center youth sports leagues through the weekend. Park and Recreation will assess conditions for other areas and provide an update on Friday. All park gates will close at noon on Friday. Freedom Park, Kirk Farm Fields and Revolution Park will be closed all day Friday due to these locations containing flood prone areas. The parks will re-open based on conditions.
What local agencies provide support and information during hurricanes?
Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?
While most residents of Mecklenburg County don't think of hurricanes as threats to our region, it is possible that we can be impacted by these large, powerful storms. High winds can bring down electrical power and communication lines.
The Health Department has put together a guide for you to follow in the event a hurricane is imminent.
Things to think about during winter weather: The County Health Department has suggestions that will keep you safe and healthy during winter weather events.
Driving
Pay attention to road conditions. Listen to media reports. If roads are bad, postpone travel until roads are clear. If you must drive on slippery roads, allow yourself more time to get to your destination, drive slow and leave more space than usual between you and the next car. Remove snow/ice from car window before driving and dress to stay warm and dry. Overpasses and bridges may be particularly hazardous. Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to get there.
Shoveling or clearing snow
Dress to stay warm and dry. Don’t over exert yourself (take your time) while clearing snow.
Walking
Avoid icy, snowy walkways and stairs if possible, walk slowly and pay attention to the walking conditions. Use support if needed (e.g., hand on rails or wall, use a cane or stick, hold on to someone more stable).
Power outage
Now is a good time to see if the carbon monoxide detector in your residence is working properly. If power outages should occur, do not burn fuel (gas, oil, charcoal) indoors to stay warm unless an area is properly ventilated and you are following a heating devices manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so could create unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, a potentially deadly gas. Also, do not leave candles left unattended if they are being used for lighting. This could lead to a house fire.
Have flashlights and batteries available
dress to stay warm, use blankets if needed. If power outage is more than two hours and temperatures are above 40 degrees, there could be problems with perishable foods in a refrigerator/freezer.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
Additional guidance
The elderly are more susceptible to the effects of cold,
so they should try to stay inside. However, if they go outside, they especially need to dress appropriately.
What time is a decision made about county office delays/closings and where is the decision posted?
When inclement weather is expected, the County Manager participates in a conference call with local officials early in the morning to get information and determine whether to delay the start of work or close county offices. She aims to make the decision as early as possible. Once decided, it is posted to County social media channels, the website, and the Employee News Now Line (980-314-4444).
What “essential personnel” may be required to report to work?
Employees at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s office have their own policies regarding inclement weather. If you have any questions, please consult with your supervisor.
What local agencies make their own decisions on closures?
Are Mecklenburg County Courts closed?
Mecklenburg County Courts openings/closings are determined by the State of North Carolina. If you were to expected in court. Only the Clerk of Court will be able to give you a new court date and answer questions about your specific case. Call 704-686-0400 to reach the Clerk of Court.
How can I find out which DMV offices are closed?
The Department of Motor Vehicles is a state-run agency. You can find contact information for each location at the NC DMV site.
Stay safe by following these important tips:
- Check on the elderly and do it frequently. Ensure that those 65 years of age and older are cool and safe from exposure to high temperatures. They are less likely to sense and respond to temperature changes and those on certain medications or with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable.
- If you cannot be in an air-conditioned environment, keep air circulating with fans and adjust blinds and window shades to reduce heat from the sun. Shut off all non-essential lights and appliances. Electric fans can provide some comfort, but with temperatures in the mid-90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a better way to cool off.
- Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car during hot weather, even with the windows open. Temperatures can reach lethal levels within minutes.
- Drink plenty of water (at least 8-10 glasses a day, more if you are working or exercising in a hot environment) to maintain good hydration. Carry water or juice with you and drink often, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Do NOT drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- When entering a vehicle, protect children from hot parts such as seat belts and metal clips.
- Carry a towel to place under children from protection from burns.
Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing. If you must be outdoors, be sure to apply sunscreen. In addition to very real concerns about skin cancer, sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluid.
- Make sure to keep your activity to a minimum during the hottest part of the day.