Emergency agencies in Colleton and Charleston Counties, South Carolina, are gearing up for potential winter weather impacts this weekend, mainly affecting northern inland areas despite minimal coastal effects.
Preparedness Measures
Charleston County EMS, led by Chief Chris Way, has pre-positioned equipment on islands and unincorporated areas, confident in reaching emergencies even if roads or bridges close. Colleton County Fire and Rescue’s K.C. Campbell noted responders will use alternate routes but may pause operations if conditions turn unsafe, recalling the disruptive 2014 ice storm.
Safety Recommendations
Residents should stay home to avoid icy roads, especially given the Lowcountry’s lack of winter infrastructure. A warming shelter is open at Saint Jude’s Church (907 Wichman St., Walterboro) for those without safe heat.
Hazard Warnings
Keep generators 20 feet from homes and use heaters only as labeled to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is odorless and lethal—avoid heating with ovens. Everyone, regardless of driving experience, should limit travel due to unpredictable impacts near weather lines.
