Road safety
Please, if at all possible, stay at home when it snows! In South Carolina, the state is not equipped to deal with snow emergencies as efficiently as Northern states where snow is more frequent.
I’m from Long Island, New York originally. My husband taught me to drive, and I passed my road test with snow on the ground. Ironically, he totaled his car in a snowstorm last year … after we’d moved to South Carolina. He spun out on a patch of ice and hit a guard rail on I-26 just outside of Orangeburg. Icy patches on the roadway make driving dangerous, particularly when there aren’t many snowplows or sand/salt crews.
How can you drive safely on icy roads?
- Drive slowly. Be cautious; it’s better to arrive late and in one piece than to get in an accident on the way to your destination. You won’t always be able to see ice before you hit it.
- If you hit a patch of ice, ease off the gas, steer through the ice, and don’t hit the brakes, as this will cause your vehicle to spin.
- Bring a small hand brush or broom with you if there is a chance that it will snow while you are out. This is useful for clearing snow off your car before driving and making sure that you have the most visibility possible while driving.
Storm Supplies
Since it’s ideal to stay home on snow days, what should you have on hand around the house?
- Water bottles: In case water pipes freeze, at least you will have something to drink.
- Toilet paper: You don’t want to run out and then not be able to dash to the store to pick up more.
- Firewood or space heater as needed: Depending on how well your home is heated and insulated, you may need additional supplies to keep warm, such as blankets, especially electric heated blankets.
- Gloves, hats, scarves, boots, snowsuits: If your kids want to go out and play, you’ll need to have the proper attire on hand. You may also wish to stock up on carrots so that their Olaf snowman will have a nose.
- Sleds, shovels, buckets: Snow toys can be hard to come by in the South, but a beach pail and shovel will help make a snow fort. The top of a Rubbermaid-type trash can work as a sled if you have a hill nearby.
- Easy meals: The stories about shelves cleared of bread and milk are true! Make sure you have enough to feed your family for a few days.
Snow-day Activities
What to do when you’re stuck home as a result of the snow?
- Play in the snow: Build a snowman — or, if you’re really snowed in, a snow fort!
- Screen time: Have a movie marathon or catch up on your binge-watching.
- Snow-day sweets: Bake a batch of cookies or muffins, and deliver them to the neighbors.
- Book bonanza: Gather everyone in the living room and read a favorite story aloud.
- Hibernate: It works for bears, right? Catch up on sleep.