Pickens County winter weather preparedness and updates

Last updated 01/11/2025 at 11:00 AM EST

Ice accumulation created hazardous driving conditions throughout the county on Friday, January 10. There was an increase in emergency call volume due to motor vehicle accidents, resulting in a limited number of power outages. As temperatures rise above freezing, some roads have improved; however, motorists are advised to use extreme caution when travelling. Some roads still contain black ice, especially side roads and those that are heavily shaded. Colder temperatures overnight could result in refreezing on the roads.

Roads & Bridges crews are prioritizing public safety by focusing on salting EMS and fire stations so they can get out to respond to calls. They are also working to keep roads clear of large debris.

All Pickens County recycle centers and libraries will remain closed today. Libraries will reopen Sunday. Normal hours of operation will resume Monday for non-essential County offices, including all recycle center locations.

Pickens County Airport is operating normally at this time.

Officials will evaluate F. Van Clayton Hwy Saturday at noon to determine whether it is safe to reopen the gate. An update will be posted here when it is reopened.

Last updated 01/10/2025 at 2:30 PM EST

We have seen an increase in motor vehicle accidents as a result of hazardous driving conditions. Pickens County Emergency Services advises you to avoid all unnecessary travel. Snow and ice have made many roads throughout the county unsafe for driving.

Status of Pickens County Government Non-Essential Offices/Recycle Centers

Pickens County non-essential offices are closed effective noon on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025; this includes all recycle center locations and libraries. Libraries will remain closed on Saturday. Recycle centers are expected to remain closed Saturday unless conditions improve. Weather conditions can change rapidly, resulting in additional modifications to our schedule. Continue to watch for updates.

Essential personnel will continue to operate. EMS is upstaffed in preparation of winter weather, and the Sheriff’s Office has advised off-duty personnel equipped with emergency response vehicles to be on standby if additional assistance is needed. They are stocked with batteries, MREs, and additional supplies to meet the needs of the community.

Emergency Services advises that response times may be impacted by driving conditions. Please avoid unnecessary travel.

Other Closures

The gate on F. Van Clayton Highway (the road to the Sassafras Mountain Overlook) closed Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. in anticipation of winter weather. It is expected to remain closed through at least Saturday. Conditions will be evaluated Sunday to determine whether it is safe to reopen.

Cateechee Point is temporarily closed to the public to prevent damage to the park during winter weather effective January 10, 2025.

The School District of Pickens County has announced an e-learning day on Friday, January 10.

Road Conditions

Roads and Bridges has three crews on standby. Their priority will be clearing downed trees from roadways. Some areas have been pre-treated for EMS response.

*********************************************************************

01/09/2025 Weather Update

Status of Pickens County Government Non-Essential Offices/Recycle Centers

Pickens County non-essential offices will close at noon on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025; this includes all recycle center locations and libraries. Officials will monitor conditions to determine whether it is safe to reopen recycle centers on Saturday. Continue to watch for updates.

Essential personnel will continue to operate. Emergency response times may be impacted by driving conditions.

Other Closures

The gate on F. Van Clayton Highway (the road to the Sassafras Mountain Overlook) will close Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at 10 a.m. in anticipation of winter weather. It is expected to remain closed through at least Saturday. Conditions will be evaluated Sunday to determine whether it is safe to reopen.

The School District of Pickens County has announced an e-learning day on Friday, Jan. 10.

Warming Shelters

In the event of significant power outages, Pickens County Emergency Services will coordinate with the Red Cross to open a warming shelter. Information will be posted here if/when a shelter opens.

Power Outage Reporting Information

Power outages are possible. Scroll to our earlier briefing, which contains tips to prepare for potential power outages. To report a power outage, use the contact information for your utility provider:

Duke Energy: Call 800-POWERON (800-769-3766)

Blue Ridge: Call 888-258-3743 or text OUT to 800-240-3400

Easley Combined: Call 864-859-4013

Road Conditions

Winter weather may impact roads throughout Pickens County, making them unsafe to travel. Please stay home if possible. If travel is unavoidable, follow main roads, which will be prioritized for clearing. Avoid travel on back roads.

To report non-emergency road maintenance issues, visit FixingCountyRoads.com. For urgent road maintenance issues, call the Roads & Bridges office at (864) 898-5934. As always, dial 911 for emergencies only.

Sign up for CodeRed! Stay up to date on emergency notifications.

How to sign up for CodeRed…
1.) Visit: Register Your Phone Number for Emergency Notifications
2.) Create an Account by using a Username and Password
3.) Enter your Contact Information
4.) Review Terms and Conditions
5.) Verify Information

**Please note that if your phone carrier is not listed in the drop-down menu when signing up, please choose “other”.**
Continue scrolling to see preparation and safety information from previous updates.

Pickens County Severe Winter Weather Preparedness

1/6/2025

As the severe winter weather approaches, Pickens County is already hard at work ensuring our community is ready. Here are some of the proactive measures we are taking to keep our residents safe and connected during the harshest conditions.

Roads & Bridges:

-Roughly 375 tons of sand on hand.
-35- 50lb bags of pelletized ice melts on hand and currently searching for more.
-Equipment prepped with sand spreaders and ice melt spreaders.
-Equipment prepped with snow plows.
-All other vehicles will be prepped according to the forecast on Thursday.

Emergency Services:

–Testing generators
–Fueling chainsaws and equipment in preparation for use
–Making contingent staffing plans for the EOC
–Working with third-party vendor to conduct operational checks of the radio system
–Stocking fire and EMS stations with adequate food and water
-Emergency Services will coordinate with the Red Cross on the opening of a warming shelter if necessary.

Solid Waste:

-Prepping equipment for severe weather.
-Bags of ice melt on hand at the main landfill and recycling centers to help with some of the icing in foot traffic areas if centers are able to open to the public
-Equipment available at the main landfill to scrape the landfill roads to open the facility
-Will be closely monitoring conditions to determine whether a delay or closure is necessary

Animal Shelter:

-If County offices close, shelter staff will come in on a delay to ensure animals are cared for during winter weather.
– If a closure is necessary, will reopen to the public when County officials determine it is safe to do so.

At Home Preparation for Severe Winter Weather

– Oxygen-dependent individuals are advised to proactively obtain backup oxygen supplies from their provider in case they are unable to leave home. Have a backup power source ready or make alternate plans for medical devices that require power.
– Add winter supplies, like shovels and rock salt, to your emergency kit.
-Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off.
-Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and let faucets drip slightly in cold weather to prevent freezing.
-Know how to shut off water valves in case of a burst pipe.
-Use portable generators carefully during outages; follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
-Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to contain sparks. Cool ashes before placing them in a metal container, kept at a safe distance from your home.
-Have chimneys inspected and cleaned yearly by a professional to prevent creosote buildup, which is highly flammable.
-Have your vehicle serviced to ensure it is prepared for the winter season.
-Equip every vehicle with a winter emergency kit, including a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery-powered radio, water, snacks, matches, extra hats, socks, mittens, a first aid kit, medications, blankets, road salt, booster cables, emergency flares, and a fluorescent distress flag.
-Generator Safety (IF YOU ARE USING GENERATORS, KEEP IT OUTSIDE TO ENSURE THE EXHAUST FUMES ARE NOT GETTING INTO THE HOUSE.)
-Have a battery-powered radio and plenty of batteries so you can continue to get news in the event of a power outage
-Charge devices ahead of time
-Sign up for CodeRed alerts (See Below)
-Check our Facebook page and/or the news section of our website for any weather updates
– Monitor trusted local news sources
-Road conditions may affect emergency response times – please avoid travel if possible when there is ice on the roads

Pickens County Winter Weather Preparedness Guide
SC Severe Winter Weather Preparedness Guide

Sign up for CodeRed! Stay up to date on emergency notifications.

**Please note that if your phone carrier is not listed in the drop-down menu when signing up, please choose “other”.**

Be sure to check here for more updates.