COLUMBIA, S.C. — Winter Weather Preparedness Week is officially upon us in South Carolina after Gov. Henry McMaster proclaimed it will be observed Dec. 1 through Dec. 7, 2024.

This week’s mission is meant to urge homeowners in the Palmetto State to prepare and take precautions before severe winter weather hits.

Efforts are initiated by the State’s Emergency Response Team, made up of several state agencies including the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and the National Weather Service.

While South Carolina typically only experiences mild winters, officials encourage residents to prepare for the worst. “Residents should take the proper winter weather precautions now during milder temperatures while the winter emergency supplies are in low demand,” said the SCEMD.

SCEMD is reminding residents of specific precautions to take:

• 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.
• 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.
• Have your vehicle serviced to ensure it is prepared for the winter season.
• 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.

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.