Bean Blast - Winter Weather

A Message from Columbia Housing CEO Yvonda A. Bean:

The Midlands is under threat of possible winter weather today. Please stay tuned to your local news source for the latest weather updates. Please avoid any unnecessary travel as roads may become dangerous due to ice. Please use the information below to stay warm and safe.

Report power outages or downed lines to Dominion Energy by calling 1-888-333-4465.

Report emergency maintenance issues by calling 803-354-3886, option 5.

Stay tuned to local media for the most up to date information on weather conditions.

CH Offices will be closed Friday, January 10, 2025 and will reopen at 8:00 am on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Bundle Up It might seem obvious, but piling on a few extra layers is a great way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside. Keeping your core warm is especially important when temperatures dip below freezing, so try wearing an extra shirt or two under your coat.

Practice Space Heater Safety Space heaters are a great way to add extra heat to colder rooms, but always remember to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the heater at all times. Flammable items include clothing, rugs, bedding and curtains. Place a space heater on a hard, non-flammable, stable surface and to turn it off completely before leaving the house. Set a reminder on your phone if you're afraid you'll forget.

Check on Elderly Neighbors & Family Members Checking in on older loved ones, neighbors, and friends is especially important during very cold weather. Older adults are particularly susceptible to hypothermia, which occurs when a person's body temperature drops below normal for a period of time. Make sure they have heat, warm blankets and enough supplies to limit their time outside.

Keep Heat Constant Setting your thermostat at the same temperature day and night will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. While avoiding a high heating bill might be tempting, you could be protecting yourself from costly repairs from frozen or burst pipes. If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time, don't lower heat below 55 degrees.

Protect Pipes from Freezing Keeping the heat on isn't the only thing you can do to protect pipes from freezing. Let your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and on exterior walls.

Watch Out for Furry Friends Always remember to bring pets inside when temperatures begin to drop. Limit outside walks and exsposure to 10 minutes or less during extreme cold weather.