Updated 7:04 p.m. Jan. 23 to include an interview with Town of Elon Mayor Emily Sharpe.
Mayor Emily Sharpe has declared a State of Emergency for the town of Elon, effective 5 p.m. Jan. 23, because of an anticipated winter storm and hazardous travel conditions.
The declaration urges residents to stay off the roads, use caution with alternative heating sources, check smoke alarm batteries and allow town crews to safely clear streets.
Debris removal will begin immediately, according to the declaration, and residents are instructed to keep debris off of roadways. Some areas of town will be restricted or closed as the storm is expected to create hazardous road conditions.
Burlington Mayor Beth Kennett also declared a state of emergency for the city of Burlington, allowing the county to request and provide aid from the state during a weather emergency.
Sharpe said safety is the number one priority in a town like Elon, where this much snow is rare.
“We don’t have the equipment that maybe a larger, more northern city has, so it’s going to take some time for us to get the roads in a position to ensure that people can safely use them,” Sharpe said.
Sharpe stressed keeping roads clear not only for the safety of Elon’s residents, but for emergency services during the storm.
“We want to keep people off the roads when they’re not safe,” Sharpe said. “And to ensure that nothing gets in the way of our police and fire, who we do anticipate will receive more calls during this time if we do receive the weather that is anticipated.”
Elon Connect will keep residents updated on road closures and other emergency alerts during the storm, according to Sharpe.
Anjolina Fantaroni contributed to the reporting of this story.