After a warmer than normal December, the National Weather Service has predicted a wetter and cooler than normal winter for South Carolina. Derrec Becker of S.C. Emergency Management Division cautions that severe weather is possible, and provides a list of simple things people can do to prepare for winter storms.
- Keep a blanket in your car, plus other things to keep you warm, such as gloves and a hat
- Keep a good stock of canned goods in the pantry that can be eaten cold
- Have warm, dry clothing on hand, and a sturdy pair of boots
- Have rock salt or cat litter to clear driveways of ice
- Have flashlights and extra batteries
- For your vehicle, add a shovel, windshield ice scraper, small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio and some snacks
- For your home, insulate your pipes to prevent freezing
- Have your vehicle serviced to prepare it for winter weather
WHAT NOT TO DO:
- Never run a generator or burn charcoal indoors for heat, not even in a garage.
- Don’t light a fire if you haven’t had your fireplace and chimney cleaned
- Don’t try to heat your home by leaving the oven open
