MYRTLE BEACH, SC (Press Release) – Extreme cold is expected through Friday, February 20. The National Weather Service is predicting overnight lows in the mid-teens tomorrow, with daytime highs only in the low 30s. Due to wind chill, the apparent temperature will feel much colder. New Directions’ Street Reach on Osceola Street will provide emergency overnight shelter for people who have no other place to escape the cold, although alcohol or drug use will not be tolerated.
With that in mind, here are life-safety and fire-prevention tips to consider.
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Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to be sure they are comfortable.
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Bring pets indoors or provide a warm shelter for them.
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Space heaters need space. Keep everything at least three feet away from them.
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Non-electric portable heaters should be properly vented.
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Never leave space heaters unattended. Turn them off when leaving or going to bed.
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Never plug an electric heater into an extension cord.
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Do not use an oven to heat your home.
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Use a study fireplace screen on the fireplace and have your chimney cleaned and checked at least once a year.
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Have working smoke detectors in all bedrooms and on every level of your home.
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If traveling extended distances, pack a blanket and additional warm clothing.
Below-freezing weather for an extended period can mean plumbing problems for some homes. These precautions may help keep pipes from freezing in extreme cold.
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Close crawl space vents.
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Disconnect the garden hose from the spigot.
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Insulate around outside spigots.
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Leave a light on in the utility room.
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Allow a trickle of water to run from a faucet.
