Latest updates:
- At this time, there are no plans to open any warming shelters in Georgetown County. The Emergency Management Division will re-evaluate this need after the storm has passed.
- County offices and facilities will close early on Friday. All offices and facilities will close at noon, with the exception of Parks and Recreation facilities, which will be closed all day, and the landfill and recycling centers, which will close and 1 p.m. Recycling centers will reopen at noon Saturday. The Landfill will be closed as usual on Saturday. All library branches will be closed all day Saturday.
With severe winter weather in the forecast for Georgetown County on Friday, Emergency Management officials are encouraging residents to get prepared today.
The County is under a winter weather advisory, with the possibility of rain turning into sleet Friday morning and lasting into Saturday. Some accumulation of ice is expected, which would create hazardous road conditions and could cause power outages. Residents should avoid unnecessary travel and stay off of roadways if possible. Residents are also reminded to bring in their animals or make other arrangements to keep them warm and dry. If residents must go out, make sure to dress warmly.
Georgetown County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather situation as it develops and provide updates here.
Below are additional tips to get your family ready to ride out a winter storm.
Before a Winter Storm
- Add winter supplies such as rock salt to melt ice and shovels to your disaster supply kit.
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home with no electricity by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.
- Place a winter emergency kit in every vehicle that includes: a shovel; windshield scraper and small broom; flashlight; battery-powered radio; extra batteries; water; snack food; matches; extra hats, socks and mittens; first aid kit with pocket knife; necessary medications; blankets; tow chain or rope; road salt and sand; booster cables; emergency flares; fluorescent distress flag.
During a Winter Storm
- Stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress in layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wear a hat that covers your ears. Wear mittens and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
- Watch for signs of frostbite such as the loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as finger, toes, ear lobes and the tip of your nose.
- Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel in the day, don’t travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule. Decrease your speed and leave plenty of room to stop the vehicle on icy roads.
After a Winter Storm
- Listen to your local radio or television station for the latest weather and traffic reports.
- Go to a designated shelter if your home loses power or heat during periods of extreme cold.
- Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is not blocked by ice or other obstacles. Bring them indoors, if possible.
- Be aware of possible carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire if using alternative sources for electricity, heating or cooking. Do not use heaters intended for outdoor use inside your home.