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    South Carolinians urged to stay vigilant this winter season

    South Carolinians urged to stay vigilant this winter season

    Photo By Col. Cindi King | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Howard Sanders, a senior mechanic in the 1118th Combat Support...... read more read more

    WEST COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES

    01.16.2018

    Story by Lt. Col. Cindi King 

    South Carolina National Guard

    With wintry weather making an early arrival throughout South Carolina, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division reminds citizens to stay prepared for winter storms and keep supplies on hand for the effects that bring extreme cold temperatures, ice, power outages, and other risks.

    “It’s early in the winter season and South Carolina has already had snow and ice in the Upstate, Midlands, and Low Country,” said Derrec Becker, the South Carolina Emergency Management Public Information Director. “We generally experience this type of winter weather in the Upstate early in winter, but having these arctic blasts and forecasted precipitation could indicate more snow and ice, making for a long season where citizens need to remain vigilant.”

    As recently as Jan. 4, 2018, the South Carolina Army National Guard was called to support the South Carolina Highway Patrol during the winter storm that impacted Charleston and along the I95 corridor with four wrecker teams to assist keeping routes clear.

    “We had wrecker teams positioned along interstate 95 exits to assist the Highway Patrol when large trucks hit ice and slid off the roads,” said Col. David Gayle, the Joint Operations Center Director for the South Carolina National Guard. “Our wreckers were able to pull them out of ditches and keep things moving.”

    Becker encourages residents to take advantage when roads are clear and not wait until snow and ice are predicted to arrive to put together a disaster plan.

    “There are many risks associated with winter that aren’t solely related to the icy roads and cold temperatures,” said Becker. “Unfortunately, we have had citizens lose their lives due to carbon monoxide from faulty heaters and using generators indoors.”

    The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has a website SCEMD.org that provides a link to its Severe Winter Weather guide with tips and information on how to keep safe this winter. The website also lists advisories and any delays or closings when snow and ice impact the area.

    “We also remind people with pets, that even though dogs and cats have fur, they are just as susceptible to freezing temperatures,” said Becker. “Pets should have a warm place and be brought indoors out of the winter elements.”

    The South Carolina National Guard always monitors conditions with SCEMD at their headquarters in West Columbia and is ready to support when called.

    "We always hope for the best but prepare for the worst," said Gayle. "Looking at weather forecast models for the duration of this winter, we expect our wrecker teams and personnel may be needed again to help keep people safe. We are ready."

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.16.2018
    Date Posted: 01.16.2018 10:58
    Story ID: 262124
    Location: WEST COLUMBIA, SC, US

    Web Views: 55
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN