A Gentle Severe Weather Safety Reminder from Columbia Housing's CEO

Bean Blast - A Gentle Severe Weather Safety Reminder from Columbia Housing's CEO

As we brace ourselves for the severe weather impact of Hurricane Ian, your safety and well-being are extremely important to us.

Please find attached, information on weather alerts and tips on how to prepare yourself for possible weather-related concerns.

Please also note that we will be available, in the event of a work order emergency, and can be reached at 803.251.2747.

Be safe,

Yvonda A. Bean

Severe Weather Preparedness

• Stay Informed
  If severe weather is possible, make sure you are receiving alerts from your local news channel or the National Weather Service. There are many mobile apps that also provide real-time updates before, during, and after a severe weather event.
  
  
• Be Ready
  During and after a severe weather event you may experience power outages. Keep flashlights and fresh batteries on hand at all times. Keep your cell phone charged and a power bank available if possible. Make sure you know how to contact your family and friends and they know how to reach you. Top your gas tank off to make sure your vehicle has enough gas.
• Supplies
  Keep bottled water for times when tap water may not be available or safe. If you lose power, open your refrigerator door and freezer as little as possible to keep contents cool. Keep your prescription medications and glasses in a place that is easy to access.
• Property Damage
  If you experience downed power lines, suspected gas leaks, or other dangerous situations, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Please call the emergency work order number 803-251-2747 as soon as it is safe for you to do so to report any damage to your home. If you are a Housing Choice Voucher participant, contact your landlord or property manager.

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Know Your Weather Alerts

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Be Prepared!
Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action!
Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter in a substantial building. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a large hail or damaging wind identified by an NWS forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.

Flash Flood Warning: Take Action!
A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain. Flash Flood Warnings are changing to an Impact-Based format to improve public response. Please see the tips listed above for ways to stay safe during flash floods.

Flood Warning: Take Action!
A Flood Warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Advisory: Be Aware!
A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

Flood Watch: Be Prepared!
A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

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