Winter Weather Safety

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

The Dutch Fork, SC and surrounding areas don’t experience a great deal of winter weather, but when we do it seems that everyone shuts down. Well everyone but Walmart and Waffle House that is. The first Winter Weather Advisory alerts are delivered to our phones and emails, which we hesitantly believe. Rain begins to fall and the temperatures drop followed by a race to a grocery store that still has milk and bread in stock. All of this just for cold rain! This pattern creates some hesitation when it comes to taking winter weather seriously.

On the rare occasion that we do find ourselves in the midst of a blizzard or ice storm, we’re far from prepared. Driving on snow- or ice-covered roads in the Midlands is a challenge – we simply don’t get enough of it to adapt to such testy conditions. It’s not rare to see a number of cars lined up and down the side of the interstate after a winter weather event, abandoned or involved in collisions – with every tow company in the area busy from dusk til’ dawn you’re thankful it’s not you stranded on I-26.

But what if one of those vehicles IS you? Do you bundle up and trek through the snow and ice for help? What if you have small children or an elderly person with you at the time? You may be forced to remain in the vehicle until conditions clear or it is safe to drive. Keeping a “Winter Weather Kit” made up of the items below in your car is an effective way to ensure that you are prepared.