Here’s what to do if the power goes off during the upcoming SC winter storm

Various governmental agencies, the Red Cross and Duke Energy have suggestions for what to do if you lose power to your home during the upcoming winter storm in Upstate South Carolina.

Snow and freezing rain are predicted for Friday into Saturday morning, accompanied with a chance of power outages.

The main thing all agree on is to prepare in advance.

The Red Cross says you need a survival kit to include 1 gallon of water per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home), non-perishable food, flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible), extra batteries, First aid kit, medications, multi-purpose tool, documents such as passports, birth certificates and insurance policies, cell phone with chargers, extra cash.

You should have a household evacuation plan. Don’t forget your pets.

Sign up for alerts and remember to have devices that work without electricity.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division suggests getting rock salt to melt ice and have some sort of alternative heating fuel. Pipes should be coated with insulation or newspapers and plastic and if a pipe bursts, know how to shut off the water.

Coolers with ice are handy to use outside when the temperature plummets — it’s supposed to be 22 degrees Friday night. Unopened refrigerators keep food cool for four hours; a full freezer for about 48 hours.

Seal windows for insulation, which you should do whether there’s a storm brewing or not.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be installed throughout your house.

If your power goes out, the Red Cross says to unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges. Use flashlights, not candles.

Gas stoves are not heating devices and grills should not be brought inside for cooking.

Generators must be outside and 20 feet away from windows.

Stay at least 35 feet from fallen power lines — Duke says to assume every power line is live — and anything they are touching.

The US Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov says in addition disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges and have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.

Throw out any perishable food if its temperature goes above 40 degrees. Duke Energy says the company does not reimburse food loss — “extreme weather is beyond our control — but insurers and/or FEMA may.

Duke says the order of power restoration is essential services, such as hospitals, police stations and fire departments, and then to areas with the greatest number of customers requiring in the least amount of time to repair. Duke also has this suggestion: “Resist the temptation to drive around looking at storm damage. You could hinder rescue efforts or restoration efforts and jeopardize your safety.”