Freezing rain, sleet and snow could cause extremely hazardous conditions across South Carolina throughout the weekend and into the first of next week. Dominion Energy and the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina are urging customers to stay safe and prepare now for the possibility of power outages.
Both utilities caution customers to stay away from downed power lines, and always assume all fallen wires are energized and dangerous. Customers should immediately report any fallen lines to their electric provider.
Additional safety and preparedness tips include:
- Use alternative heating sources such as fireplaces, propane space heaters and wood stoves with extreme care. Do not use a gas-powered oven for heating as a gas oven may go out or burn inefficiently, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly
- Do not use a gas or charcoal grill inside the home
- If you use a portable generator to power a heating source, be sure the generator is located outside your house for proper ventilation. Do not use a generator in an attached garage
- Never connect generators to power lines or your home’s wiring. The reverse flow of electricity can electrocute the co-op line crews working to restore power
- Never plug a generator into a household outlet or refuel while it's running
- 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
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division also offers a complete winter weather guide with tips and resources.