South Carolinians are urged to take precautions as an extended stretch of cold and freezing weather settles in across the state.
Residents can expect prolonged below-normal temperatures amid another wave of Artic air. But the state's Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) notes there are several steps you can take to prepare such as:
- Keep a supply of extra blankets, warm clothing and sleeping bags
- Have a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio on hand for weather updates and emergency information
- Stock up on heating fuel for potential isolation or power loss
- Insulate pipes and let faucets drip to prevent freezing
- Service your vehicle for winter readiness, and keep a winter readiness kit in each vehicle you own with items like a shovel, scraper, flashlight, radio, batteries, water, snacks, matches, extra clothing, a first aid kit, meds, blankets, tow chain, salt, booster cables, flares, and a distress flag
- Instead of milk and bread, stock up on non-perishables such as canned goods, pasta, rice and shelf-stable milk
Those are just some of the preparedness tips to know. For a complete list, download SCEMD's complete weather guide.