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Photo by Brian Wolka
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During Winter Storm Izzy (Jan. 14–17, 2022) ice damage left more than 50,000 homes without power. Co-op crews battled falling limbs, trees and broken power lines to quickly and safely restore service.
Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative
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During winter storms, thick layers of ice can form on power lines and tree limbs causing them to snap and create widespread power outages. The damage to the electric grid from an ice storm can be as catastrophic as a hurricane.
Photo by Edisto Electric Cooperative
Update: Now that repairs from Winter Storm Izzy are complete, forecasters are predicting a second wave of ice, snow and freezing rain to roll through South Carolina as soon as Friday, Jan. 21. Track outages and the status of repairs with the ECSC Outage Map and use these tips to stay safe before, during and after major winter weather events.
For more storm resources, see our Storm Center page.
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At the least, snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice create inconveniences. At their worst, they create dangers including traffic accidents on icy roads, hypothermia from exposure to cold, and carbon-monoxide poisoning from improper use of generators. If winter storms are severe enough to cause power outages, residents can take precautions to stay as safe as possible while utility crews work to get the power back on.
- Be prepared ahead of the storm with nonperishable food and stored water to last for several days, in case you lose power. Foods that don’t need to be cooked and are good to have on hand include canned goods, crackers, cereal, dried fruits and peanut butter. Make sure you have enough baby food and pet food as well.
- Keep away from power lines that may be downed from a build-up of heavy snow and ice. Even downed, they may be energized and dangerous. Report them to your local utility immediately.
- Notify your electric cooperative immediately if you experience an outage. Many electric cooperatives have a dedicated phone number for outage reports and web pages with maps that show current power outages.
- Avoid travel during the storm. If it is essential for you to be on the road, carry a storm kit with you.
- Be safe with alternate heating sources while your power is out. Don’t leave fireplaces or wood stoves unattended while fires are burning. If you use a generator, be sure you know how to operate it safely, and never use it indoors.
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GENERAL STORM SAFETY:
- Prepare a storm kit before an emergency arises. After a storm, replenish your kit as needed and replace old batteries.
- Report power outages and any downed, loose or dangling power lines to your local electric cooperative.
- Stay clear of downed power lines.
- If the power goes out, don’t leave lit candles or fireplaces unattended.
- Take extra care with generators. Make sure you understand how to install and use them properly, and never connect a generator directly to your household wiring.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
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Additional resources
Winter storm guide – Ice storms can cause extended damage across the state. Learn how to prepare with this guide from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Or, visit https://scemd.cdn.missc.net/media/1008/sc-winter-weather-guide.pdf.
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Sources: The National Severe Storms Laboratory, the National Weather Service, Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association