Living in the Myrtle Beach area means we enjoy mild winters most of the time. But every few years, Mother Nature reminds us that we're not entirely immune to winter weather. 

When ice and snow do arrive on the Grand Strand, many homeowners find themselves unprepared simply because these events are so infrequent. As a seventh-generation local, I've learned that a little preparation goes a long way. Here are the essential steps every Grand Strand homeowner should take when winter weather threatens.

Protect Your Plumbing

The most common and costly damage from freezing temperatures happens to your plumbing. Cover all exposed outdoor spigots with insulated faucet covers—you can pick these up at any hardware store for just a few dollars. Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and if temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s or below, let your faucets drip slightly overnight. That small trickle of moving water can prevent frozen pipes that could burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Don't forget about your pool equipment if you have one. Most pool pumps in our area aren't designed for sustained freezing temperatures, so run your pump continuously during the coldest hours or consider draining vulnerable lines.

Stock Emergency Supplies

Power outages often accompany ice storms in our area because our infrastructure simply isn't built for heavy ice accumulation on power lines. Before the weather hits, make sure you have:

• Flashlights and fresh batteries (don't rely solely on your phone)
• Non-perishable food that doesn't require cooking
• Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for 3 days)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit and necessary medications
• Blankets and warm clothing
• Phone chargers and backup power banks

If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood before the storm—it'll be gone from stores once the weather arrives.

Winterize Your Home

Check your weather stripping around doors and windows. Even small gaps become significant when temperatures drop. Reverse your ceiling fans to run clockwise at low speed, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling. Close your curtains at night for extra insulation, but open them during sunny days to capture solar heat.

Keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees even if you're away. The cost of running your heat is far less than repairing burst pipes. And know where your main water shut-off valve is located—if a pipe does burst, every second counts.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Black ice is particularly dangerous in our area because we rarely deal with it. Check your tire tread and fill your gas tank before the storm hits. Keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger. Most importantly, avoid driving on bridges and overpasses if possible—these freeze first and stay frozen longest.

Check on Neighbors

This is when community matters most. Check on elderly neighbors, those with young children, and anyone who might be shut in. A quick knock on the door or phone call can make a real difference. Share resources if needed—extra firewood, batteries, or just hot coffee can mean a lot during an extended outage.

Know When to Stay Home

The reality is that our area doesn't have the infrastructure or equipment to handle significant ice and snow. Road crews do their best, but we simply don't have fleets of salt trucks and snow plows standing by. When local officials recommend staying off the roads, take that seriously. A few days of inconvenience beats the alternative.

After the Storm

Once the weather passes, inspect your property for damage. Look for signs of pipe leaks, roof damage from ice accumulation, and tree limbs that may have been compromised. Take photos of any damage for insurance purposes before making temporary repairs.

Stay warm, take precautions and enjoy this rare cold spell! If you have a real estate question while you are hunkered down, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to learn more about your goals and see how we can best help.