Upstate agencies and businesses contend with winter weather

Hundreds of businesses across the Upstate were closed Friday due to winter weather.

But some entities, especially those providing essential services for the community, did not have the luxury of taking a snow day.

Sharon Jackson, spokeswoman for Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, said the health care provider activated its severe weather plan on Thursday for its Spartanburg and Pelham medical centers.

Jackson said Spartanburg Regional had about 30 staff members stay overnight so they could workFriday. Those employees were provided with lodging and shower accommodations she said.

Both medical centers will continue to offer the same services as they would any other day, Jackson said.

She said the health care system has backup generators that can power crucial life support equipment and other important operations. Crews will be working around the clock to make sure the medical center campuses are clear of snow and ice, or to address any other maintenance issues that could arise.

As of Friday afternoon, Spartanburg Medical Center had treated seven injuries related to the weather, Jackson said.

“We knew this was coming and we planned accordingly,” Jackson said. “We have an abundance of supplies and manpower.”

Spartanburg County Sheriff Chuck Wright said his office will be adequately manned throughout the storm.

“We’re making sure our vehicles have the right tire pressure and asking deputies not to go out and drive around unless they absolutely have to,” he said. “We hire smart people. They know when they can go and when they can’t.”

Wright said his department is working alongside local fire departments and hospitals to provide assistance when needed.

“Snow is passable. Ice is not,” Wright said.

He urged local residents not to venture out and asked the public to pray for deputies, first responders and other emergency personnel who will be working during the storm.

Meanwhile, BMW Manufacturing Co. spokeswoman Sky Foster said the Spartanburg County plant’s A-shift operations were suspended Friday.

She said the company would review the potential startup of its B-shift.