Preparing for Severe Weather

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Just because the sun may be shining and the wind may be blowing gently, that’s not to say that things couldn’t change in the next few hours,” says Derrec Becker with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. When it comes to severe weather, officials say always be prepared. “Anytime that there is severe weather, anytime there is a remote chance that something could affect your area, people should take notice of that,” says Becker. Just this week, remnants of Tropical Storm Lee destroyed hundreds of homes in Woodstock, Georgia, that’s just north of Atlanta. Monday, a tornado touched down in Newberry with winds up to 75 miles per hour. But the severe weather did not stop there. Tuesday, Lee’s leftovers prompted tornado watches for more than half the state of South Carolina Just a reminder of how important is to be ready. “September is national preparedness month, that’s an opportunity for everybody, not only in SC, but nationwide to look at the types of threats that exist in their communities and what they can do to prepare for them,” says Becker. And don’t think South Carolina is not subject to extreme weather. “Just about everything besides a volcano, we’ve had it in South Carolina,” says Becker. So here’s how you can be prepared. First, pay attention to the forecast. Then, make a family emergency plan. Also, make sure you have disaster supplies ready. Those supplies include enough water for at least 72 hours, also non-perishable food items like can foods, and finally cash. Cash is especially important if there is a mass power outage, because ATMs will not work. And while South Carolina has been fairly lucky so far this Hurricane season, remember, it’s not over yet. “It’s still important to remember that we are not out of the woods yet, we are still in the middle of the prime time that SC is most vulnerable to the affects of a hurricane,” says Becker. Hurricane season ends on Novermber 30th. You can find much more on preparing for severe weather, at www.scemd.org