SC Winter Weather Preparedness Week

Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week for 2024 will be observed December 1 through December 7, 2024.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service, and agencies that make up the State Emergency Response Team urge all South Carolinians to take steps to prepare for hazardous winter weather by checking their emergency supplies and safety plans.

While South Carolina typically experiences mild winters, hazardous winter weather events like snowfall, ice storms, and extreme cold can impact the entire state. Winter storms can create dangerous conditions, including closed highways, blocked roads, black ice, downed trees and power lines, and the potential for hypothermia. Coastal and inland areas may also face flood risks from winter storms.

Residents should take the proper winter weather precautions now during milder temperatures while the winter emergency supplies are in low demand:

·         Add winter supplies, like shovels and rock salt, to your emergency kit.

·         Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.

·         Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and let faucets drip slightly in cold weather to prevent freezing.

·         Know how to shut off water valves in case of a burst pipe.

·         Use portable generators carefully during outages; follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

·         Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to contain sparks. Cool ashes before placing them in a metal container, kept at a safe distance from your home.

·         Have chimneys inspected and cleaned yearly by a professional to prevent creosote buildup, which is highly flammable.

·         Have your vehicle serviced to ensure it is prepared for the winter season.

·         Equip every vehicle with a winter emergency kit, including a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, water, snacks, matches, extra hats, socks, mittens, a first aid kit, medications, blankets, road salt, booster cables, emergency flares, and a fluorescent distress flag.

Download the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and Winter Weather Guide 

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 also features a flashlight, locator whistle, and damage reporting tool. Available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play at http://onelink.to/dn92rx.

Developed by SCEMD in partnership with other agencies, the app also includes the Winter Weather Guide, providing tips on what to do before, during, and after a winter storm. The guide is also available at scemd.org.