COLUMBIA, S.C. — Time is ticking for people to grab the items they need before roads become slick with a mixed bag of precipitation. Derrec Becker, Chief of Public Information for the South Carolina Emergency Manager said having a kit with items needs to be a top priority for people.
"It's always so important to prepare for winter storms especially when the forecast calls for ice because there could be situations where you can't get out and you are stuck at home,". Becker said. He added a key element is making sure when you are buying items for the family make sure you have a minimum of three days' worth.
For food, his focus is less on bread and milk and more on non-perishable items, like canned goods. He then focuses on adding Water to the list of items, saying each resident should buy two gallons worth of water per household,". Letting people know to not have their hopes upon their refrigerators and sink water.
He wants people to also focus on having an additional phone charger, "phones...make sure they have a full charge the night before and make sure you can use them if you have an emergency and need to call nine-one-one,".
There is one thing Becker wants people to stop overlooking, is a toolkit, "people need to have them in case there are any leaks or if ducktape is also a great resource to have,".
Last but not least he says people need blankets....they will help keep you warm if the power goes out. Another tip to keep you warm is to stuff a towel around any doors or windows to help stop the draft from coming in.