Winter Weather Preparedness week

Winter Weather Preparedness Week is being recognized in Georgia and South Carolina Dec. 3-7, and it was created to raise awareness of winter weather hazards.

According to local Rabun County EMA/SAR Director Micheal Mazarky, winter storms often bring dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain. With temperatures currently near freezing, and dipping into single digits at night, it’s important to take steps to protect your property and health.

Protect the three p’s: people, pets and plants.

• Wear layers of clothing.
• Wear gloves, mittens and hats; cover your mouth with a scarf.
• Ensure children are properly dressed, especially as they wait for the school bus.
• Bring pets indoors. Animals are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.
• Bring potted plants indoors. Cover outdoor plants with cloth, burlap or plastic at night to prevent roots from freezing.

Make sure your home and vehicle are ready.

• Have a backup for your electrical power as freezing temperatures create a heavy demand for electricity. If you use a generator, be sure to use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• Allow indoor plumbing fixtures to drip; this prevents freezing by permitting water to trickle through the pipes.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank and antifreeze full to prevent ice from forming in the tank and fuel lines.

For more information on how to be prepared for the cold weather, visit the Ready Georgia website.