WINTER STORM GIANNA NEWS RELEASE #3

CommunityHuman InterestGeneral News ArticlePress Release

Contact:
Jackie Broach, Public Information Officer
Phone: (843) 545-3164
E-mail: jbroach@gtcounty.org
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Georgetown County offices & facilities to be closed Monday; extreme cold warning still in effect
GEORGETOWN COUNTY – All Georgetown County offices and facilities, including the landfill and recycling centers, will be closed on Monday, February 2 due to after-effects from Winter Storm Gianna.
Although the majority of the County received less snow than was forecast, refreezing is expected to occur overnight. This may result in hazardous road conditions, especially along secondary roads. Residents should refrain from non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Since Monday, Feb. 2 is the next payment due date for real property taxes, the deadline for Georgetown County taxpayers will be extended by one day to Tuesday, Feb. 3 in accordance with state law (specifically, SC Code Section 12-60-50).
An extreme cold warning remains in effect for our area until 10 a.m. Feb. 2. As residents try to keep their homes warm, here are some heating safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Alternative heaters need their space. Keep anything that can catch fire at least three feet away.
  • Make sure your alternative heaters have 'tip switches.' These 'tip switches' are designed to automatically turn off the heater in the event they tip over.
  • Only use the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer and follow suggested guidelines.
  • Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel heaters only outdoors.
  • Make sure wood stoves are properly installed, and at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire. Ensure they have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
  • Use a glass or metal screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets, furniture or other items that can catch fire.
  • Do not use the kitchen oven range to heat your home. In addition to being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
For residents with concerns about being able to stay warm at home, Community groups have opened two warming shelters in Georgetown County – at Mt. Olive Baptist Church (1043 Duke St.) and the Low Country Veterans Group headquarters (2104 Lincoln St.), both located in the City of Georgetown.
Georgetown County Emergency Management will remain at Operating Condition 2 – Enhanced Awareness until 5 p.m. Feb. 2. GCEMD continues to monitor the situation closely and encourages residents to remain weather aware. For more information and tips on staying safe during a winter storm, monitor our website at gtcounty.org and follow GCEMD on social media. Residents can also download the State Emergency Management Division’s Winter Weather Guide at SCEMD.org.

WINTER STORM GIANNA NEWS RELEASE #3