It’s Winter Weather Preparedness Week; Are you ready?

It was 67 degrees during the Tigers’ last home football game Saturday, then it was below freezing just three days later. Welcome to winter in South Carolina!

Clemson and the state of South Carolina are observing Winter Weather Preparedness Week just in time for that cold weather. Now is the perfect time to get ready for colder temperatures while demand is low and supplies are well-stocked. Don’t be caught unprepared if a winter storm brings power outages or treacherous icy roads.

• Sign up for CU Safe Alerts and local emergency alerts and regularly check reputable weather sources when winter storms are approaching. Ensure your CU Safe Alerts contact information is up to date on clemson. Check out the webpage of your county Emergency Management office to sign up for their alerts and follow the National Weather Service for information about upcoming weather. Download the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s Winter Weather Guide and mobile app for more information.
• Be sure to keep your cell phone charged so you can stay informed in case the power goes out.
• Storms may cause slippery road conditions. Put together an emergency car kit with rock salt, a shovel, blankets, snacks, water and warm clothes in case you are stuck and need to wait for help.
• Insulate your home’s pipes so they don’t freeze if you lose power and heat. If they do freeze, ensure you know now how to turn the water off at the source in case a pipe bursts.
• Storms may cause power outages. Now is the time to make sure your emergency kit is well stocked. For a list of suggested items, go to gov.

Ensure you always have clean masks in your car, at home and when you are at work to slow the spread of COVID-19 during winter weather.

For more winter weather tips, go to Ready.gov and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.