Columbia, SC Prepares for Winter with Essential Safety Tips and Guidelines

Columbia, SC Braces for Winter: Essential Preparedness Tips

As the temperatures drop, leaders in South Carolina are urging residents to take some proactive steps to ensure they are ready for whatever winter weather might bring. With the threat of severe weather commonly hitting our state in January and February, the time to prepare is now! Kim Stenson, the Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), emphasizes this point. “We typically expect severe weather here in South Carolina in January and February, but now’s the time we need to prepare for those events,” she said while reminding us that the chilly weather has already set in early this year.

Home Preparations: Keep the Cold Out!

So, what can you do to get your home ready? Stenson suggests a few simple yet effective steps. First, consider installing weather stripping around windows and doors to keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Next, be sure to insulate your water pipes, as this is crucial in preventing them from freezing and bursting. Don’t forget to allow your faucets to drip during times of freezing temperatures, as this can help prevent pipe burst scenarios. And just in case things go awry, make sure you know how to shut off your water valves so you can respond quickly if a pipe does burst. These preparations can save you a significant headache later on!

Your Vehicle: Stay Safe on the Road

thoroughly check your vehicle and pay close attention to the condition of your tires.” Make sure that your brakes are functioning correctly, your fluids are topped off, and that all your car lights are operational. Being proactive can mean the difference between a safe journey and a roadside emergency during the harsher months.

Have a Plan: The Four P’s of Winter Safety

Creating a solid plan for winter weather is, without a doubt, one of the best preparations you can make. Major General Jeff Jones with the South Carolina National Guard emphasizes the importance of protecting what he fondly refers to as the “four P’s”: people, plants, pets, and pipes. It’s essential to have the supplies you need on hand and to listen to and act on the information provided through emergency management channels. Having a plan in place can relieve a lot of stress when the weather takes a turn!

Winter and Holiday Fire Safety

As we gear up for holiday celebrations amidst winter preparations, fire safety is also a priority. Chief Jonathan Jones from the South Carolina State Fire urges everyone to practice fire safety rigorously. He cautions against plugging one extension cord into another; instead, plug them directly into an outlet to prevent overloads. If you opt for a live Christmas tree, it’s crucial to keep it from drying out by adding water every day. Also, remember to place your tree at least three feet away from any heat source to reduce fire hazards. It’s predictions like these that can easily save lives!

Without a doubt, winter weather is on its way, and now is the perfect time to prepare. Whether you’re protecting your home, vehicle, or family, these tips can help you tackle the season with confidence. So grab your hot cocoa, gather your loved ones, and tackle those to-do lists one preparation at a time!