Winter Safety Tips For Greenville Locals.

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

Winter Safety Tips For Greenville Locals. 

Below freezing temperatures, sleet, freezing rain, and ice storms periodically threaten Greenville during the cold winter months. Winter storms can damage your property, close highways, block roads, take down power lines, and create other disasters. The first step to successfully overcoming any of these disasters is to prepare now. The more prepared you are now, the better you can handle any emergency. Below are a few winter safety suggestions you can use to keep you and your family safe. 

Know The Terms: 

• Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. 
• Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm is occurring or will occur in your area. 
• Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and powerlines. 
• Sleet: Rain that turns into ice pellets before reaching the ground. 
• Frost/ Freeze Warning: Below-freezing temperatures are expected in your area. 
• Black Ice: A thin coat of glazed ice on a surface or road that is virtually invisible and hazardous to motorists. 

Prepare Your Car: 

Although it is best to avoid driving in inclement weather, sometimes you can't avoid it. Don't get caught in winter weather unprepared. Check out these tips to winterize your car. 

• Check your tires and spare tire, replace them with all-weather tires.
• Use a wintertime fluid in your windshield washer. 
• Make an emergency kit for your car. Your emergency kit will help you get back on the road quickly and safely. Include bottled water, nonperishable high energy snacks, a first aid kit, a multi-tool, blankets, an extra change of clothes, flashlights, extra batteries, portable cell phone chargers, jumper cables, spare tire, a tire gauge, foam tire sealant, a jack and lug wrench, tow straps, extra cash for emergencies, rags and hand wipes, a small 5 lb fire extinguisher (class B or C), and emergency flares or reflective triangles. 
• You should also include winter-specific items such as mittens, socks and hats, hand warmers, a bag of non-clumping cat litter (to help you regain traction if needed), a shovel, and an ice scraper. Once you have gathered all your supplies, store them in a box or container that you can easily access in your vehicle.   

Prepare Your Home: 

Winterize your home to protect you and your family from potential damage that cold temperatures may bring. 

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. During the winter season, there is an increase in fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Checking these devices now can increase your chances of surviving a fire or avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning. 
• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Let your faucets drip a little during the cold weather to avoid frozen pipes. 
• Learn how to shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts. 
• Keep a power outage kit in your home. If you lose power for a significant amount of time, be prepared by having enough water and nonperishable food to last for three days for each family member, a first aid kit, extra batteries, flashlights, and baby items (if needed).
• Invest in a portable generator for your home. Remember you should only use a generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Never use them indoors, in a garage, or close to your home. 

If you experience damage from winter storms - don't panic! Call SERVPRO of South Greenville County. No matter the size or type of disaster you experience, we will make it “Like it never even happened.”