Hey, Greenville resident, as those chilly South Carolina winds start blowing through the Upstate, it’s time to get your home ready. You know how our winters can bring surprise frost and ice, even if they’re not as harsh as up north. Following these winter safety tips will keep your family safe and your house in good shape. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re set.
Prepare Your Home Before the Cold Hits
You want to avoid surprises when temperatures drop, right? Start with a winter safety checklist for homeowners to check key areas. Inspect your heating system first—clean or replace furnace filters so it runs smoothly and saves energy. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries if needed. These steps fall under basic winter home safety and can prevent big problems.
Look at your roof and gutters too. Clear leaves and debris to stop ice dams from forming. Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to block drafts. To prepare your home for winter, stock up on salt or ice melt for walkways. In Greenville, our clay soil freezes fast, so protect pipes by insulating exposed ones in crawl spaces or garages. A little prep now means no headaches later.
Stay Safe From the Cold Outdoors
Cold weather safety matters when you’re outside shoveling or running errands. Dress in layers—think a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle, and a waterproof outer. Wear gloves, hats, and sturdy boots to guard against slips on icy driveways. Hypothermia sneaks up quickly if you’re wet and windy, so limit time outside.
Keep an eye on weather alerts in Greenville through local apps or the radio. Our area gets freezing rain that turns roads slick fast. Drive slow, increase following distance, and keep a kit in your car with blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight. If you’re walking the dog in Paris Mountain State Park or heading downtown, watch for black ice. Share your plans with someone if you’re out for a long time—better safe than stuck.
Keep Your House Warm and Hazard-Free Inside
Indoors, winter home safety means smart heating habits. Never use your oven or grill to warm the house; that’s a fire risk. Space heaters? Keep them at least 3 feet from anything flammable, and turn them off when leaving the room. Use a screen in front of fireplaces to catch sparks.
Watch for carbon monoxide—colorless and deadly. Symptoms like headache or dizziness mean get fresh air and call for help right away. Stock extra blankets and non-perishable food for power outages, which hit Greenville during storms. A backup generator is great if you can swing it, but run it outside only.
Protect Kids, Pets, and Vulnerable Family
Think about the little ones and furry friends. Teach kids not to eat snow—it can carry dirt or chemicals. Dress small breeds in coats and bring them inside when temperatures dip below 32°F. Check on elderly neighbors; offer to shovel their driveways.
For cold-weather safety with babies or seniors, keep rooms at 68-72°F. Use humidifiers to counteract dry air from heaters, which can crack skin and spread germs. Have a family plan—who checks the attic for leaks, who monitors the thermostat. These winter safety tips build habits that last.
Handle Emergencies With Local Help
Stuff happens, even with prep. Know your local emergency services numbers: call 911 for fires, medical issues, or bad crashes. For non-urgent issues like downed power lines, contact Duke Energy first. The Greenville Fire Department responds quickly to winter calls, so report hazards like downed trees blocking roads.
Keep a home emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, and cash. Practice your plan once a month. In our community, neighbors help neighbors—join a local Facebook group for real-time updates on ice or outages.
Essential Steps to Secure Your Greenville Home This Winter
There you have it—your full guide to winter safety tips that fit Greenville’s milder but tricky winters. By running through that winter safety checklist for homeowners and preparing your home for winter, you’ll reduce risks and stay comfy. Tune in to weather alerts in Greenville, lean on local emergency services when needed, and prioritize cold-weather and winter home safety every day. Considering a move? Lisa LaRowe can help you find a home that fits your lifestyle.
Source: risk.byu.edu
Header Image Source: Hakim Menikh on Unsplash
