COLUMBIA – Residents in South Carolina should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety preparations. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict a wintry mix of rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow for portions of the state Friday into Saturday.
“While it is too early to determine the exact timing and intensity of the winter weather, we urge all South Carolinians to be prepared and stay informed,” said South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson.
Residents should continue winter safety precautions, including:
-Prepare an emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Make sure your kit can sustain your household for at least three days.
-Be careful walking and especially driving on ice, including potential black ice.
Avoid travel, if possible, especially during freezing conditions or overnight when temperatures are expected to drop.
-If it is absolutely necessary to travel during a winter storm, slow down, increase your following distance, and stay alert.
-In case of a minor collision without injuries, move your vehicle off the roadway and call your local law enforcement agency or dial *HP (*47) for assistance.
-Ensure family or friends know your traveling plans, specifically where you’re going and the approximate time of arrival.
-Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is not blocked by ice or other obstacles. Shelter them indoors, if possible.
-Freezing temperatures can burst water pipes in homes that lack heat or proper insulation. Wrap exposed pipes or take other measures to insulate them from the cold, and consider letting your faucets drip or slightly stream overnight to help prevent frozen pipes.
-Keep alternative heating sources prepared. If you have a fireplace, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.
-Properly vent kerosene heaters and keep electric generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, do not burn charcoal indoors. Charcoal fumes can result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Never operate a portable generator indoors.
-Keep anything that can burn (e.g., paper, clothing, furniture) at least three feet away from portable space heaters to prevent fire hazards.
The official South Carolina Severe Winter Weather Guide contains checklists and tips on how to prepare for hazardous conditions.
The SC Emergency Manager app is designed to help residents create emergency plans, manage supplies, locate open emergency shelters, and stay connected with loved ones. The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
For up-to-date resources, please visit scemd.org.
