City of Columbia urges residents to be prepared for inclement winter weather
January 21, 2025On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the City of Columbia is forecasted to experience snow and freezing temperatures that will make travel potentially hazardous.
The City of Columbia, Columbia-Richland Fire Department and the City of Columbia Police Department encourage residents to stay informed and adhere to public safety officials to stay safe during this period of inclement winter weather.
Below are a few winter safety tips we encourage residents to follow:
- Be careful walking and driving on ice, including black ice.
- Avoid travel, if possible, especially during freezing conditions and overnight when temperatures are expected to drop further
o If it is absolutely necessary to travel during a winter storm, slow down, increase your following distance, and stay alert.
o Pack your vehicle with emergency equipment including jumper cables, blankets, water, etc. in case you are temporarily immobile with your vehicle.
o In case of a minor collision without injuries, move your vehicle off the road and call your local law enforcement agency or dial *HP (*47) for assistance.
- Check on your animals and ensure that their access to food and water is not blocked by ice or other obstacles. Shelter them indoors, if possible.
- Freezing temperatures can burst water pipes in homes that lack heat or proper insulation. Wrap exposed pipes or take other measures to insulate them from the cold, and consider letting your faucets drip or slightly stream overnight to help prevent frozen pipes.
- Never operate a portable generator indoors.
- Keep anything that can burn (e.g., paper, clothing, furniture) at least three feet away from portable space heaters to prevent fire hazards.
For more safety tips, please visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division at SCEMD.org.
Stay updated to the City of Columbia for the latest updates and information regarding this inclement weather event.
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