Are you ready for Old Man Winter? Residents urged to prepare for a possibly wet and hazardous winter

Are you ready for Winter? This week marks Winter Weather Preparedness Week for South Carolina. This is a week dedicated to teaching and reminding South Carolinians of the various alerts issued regarding winter weather conditions, how to prepare, and what to do if hazardous winter conditions occur. And with a blast of cold air over the region, now is a great time to get ready for the cold season ahead.

The main threats from winter weather across South Carolina stem from snow and ice storms. While South Carolina typically experiences mild winters, Winter storms can create dangerous conditions all season long.

Some of the main hazards officials want you to prepare for include 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.

Before winter weather even starts, emergency officials say it’s a good idea to get your car serviced to make sure it’s ready for winter. Check and prepare chimneys and fireplaces to use, know where water valve shut-offs are located in your home, and stock up on handy winter items (like a windshield scraper and a blanket to keep in the car).

Next, understand the different weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. For example, the difference between a Winter Storm Watch and a Winter Storm Warning.

A Winter Weather Advisory is issued ahead of any wintry conditions that may impact travel or your area with ice, sleet, or snow. An Extreme Cold Watch (previously known as Wind Chill Advisory) is issued when dangerously cold temperatures are expected in the next 12 to 48 hours. An Extreme Cold Warning is issued when extreme cold is expected (at or below five degrees Fahrenheit) that could result in hypothermia, frostbite, or death due to prolonged outdoor exposure.

A Blizzard Warning is issued when winds reach 35 miles per hour sustained or gusting with snowfall all ongoing for three or more hours.

An Ice Storm Warning is issued when dangerous ice accumulations are anticipated in the next 12 to 48 hours. However, dealing with ice, sleet, and snow is only part of the battle. On a clear and cold day, there is just as much to prepare for as there is in many other winter conditions.

Winter weather forecasting is also a hardship, especially in the Carolinas. A temperature of even a degree or two could mean a world of difference between a winter weather forecast and a rainy forecast.

It’s also important to remember that between 1 and 3 days out from a winter event, the forecast will be much more accurate and detailed as compared to a forecast 5 to 7 days out from a potential event.

Here are some more helpful tips to get you ready for the winter weather:

• 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.
  

  We bundle up in🧣&🧤when it’s cold—don’t forget to bundle up ur pipes, too! Pipes in unheated spaces or on exterior walls are at the highest risk of freezing.
  Learn more: https://t.co/NRaoOkZCZY#WinterWeatherPreps #scwx #winterweather #ColdWeather #SouthCarolina #FrozenPipes pic.twitter.com/EMf3eUI1Co

  — SC Emergency Management Division (@SCEMD) December 2, 2024

• 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.
• 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.

It’s also recommended to get your winter weather forecast information from reliable sources. Many social media accounts may post carefully chosen forecast model data nearly two weeks out from an event that is meant to garner attention rather than a reliable forecast.

Officials say South Carolinians should take the proper winter weather precautions now while winter emergency supplies are in low demand. And when it's cold outside, protect your family by limiting time outside for you and your pets. Be sure to make cold weather preps for livestock as well.

Officials have also developed an emergency manager app designed to help you 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.