State officials hope that a week of awareness about severe weather will help South Carolinians be prepared if a big storm hits.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP/WACH) -- State officials hope that a week of awareness about severe weather will help South Carolinians be prepared if a big storm hits.
Severe weather awareness week began Sunday. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service will spend this week reminding people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in the state.
"Being prepared as possible by having supplies, having a plan, and making sure everyone in your family and your neighborhood knows as well. Those are some key things you could do right now, and they don't take a lot of time," said Derrec Becker from the state's Emergency Management Division.
Richland County's Chief Meteorologist Ken Aucoin said warm temperatures play a significant factor.
"This past winter was the tenth warmest on record, that's going back over 125 years. If you think of that, we're most likely getting an early start on our tornado season," said Aucoin.
State officials are encouraging schools to participate in an annual tornado drill Tuesday.
Organizers hope it will be a good test of communication systems and safety procedures necessary when severe weather strikes.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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