S.C. Emergency Management Division Shares Severe Weather Tips

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- Schools, businesses and events closed early Wednesday to give people enough time to make sure their families are safe. The South Carolina Emergency Management Divison says you should use that time to prepare.

“Take this time to discuss with your entire family what to do in the various types of emergencies. Look around and look at the types of emergencies that are most common to you. Straight line winds and severe thunderstorms can be just as devastating as a tornado or even a hurricane when it comes to your safety, your family’s safety,  and your property’s safety,” said Derrec Becker.

For areas under a tornado watch, officials said  the best thing to do is to go inside of a stable building. “Go indoors to the center-most part of the lowest level of whatever building your are in. Whether it’s an interior closet or bathroom with no windows, a community center, even a gas station, and stay there until the danger has passed,” said Becker.

As the possibility of flash flooding continues to loom, avoid roadways and only drive if necessary.  “Turn around if you see a flooded road, even if you think it’s a little bit of water. You don’t know what’s underneath the service of that water. The could’ve washed away and it could be much deeper,” said Becker.

Officials advise you to keep necessities like food, water, and flash lights on hand in the event of a power outage.