In the last year we have had many new residents to our area some are from a city environment that do not have our more remote challenges. To that end, I would like to highlight a few areas that should be considered as we approach the winter season.
- The only roads that are regularly plowed are Monument Rd (by Pickens County, they also treat with brine prior to a weather event) plus 136 and Sunrise Ridge (which are state roads). All other roads are Private roads which typically are left to volunteers from each POA to maintain them. When snow and in particularly ice occurs the side roads prove not to be drivable and the County maintained roads are at best delayed. The Ski Slope (beginning of Monument Road) is usually not drivable until serviced or you risk sliding thru the stop sign into cross traffic of 136.
- When a major snow or ice storm occurs it can cause down power lines as trees fall across the lines which of course causes you to lose power….and if that happens unless you have a generator or wood burning stove/fireplace you will lose heat and yes water as you can not pump water without electric. (Unless you have a hand pump). On average you use 1-2 gallons of propane for every 1 hour you run your generator. (This depends, if you are all electric and or size of generator). Obviously wise to fill you tank in late Oct or November just a word to the wise. If you do not have a generator would suggest you look into it now (not a portable but a standby generator that automatically comes on when you lose power). In addition, if you do not have a generator, I would fill your bathtub up with water and have a 1-gallon container nearby so you can fill your commode tank so that at least you have a working toilet.
- You would want to survey your lot for leaning trees or limbs that may come down with the heavier weight of snow or ice and block your driveway or Private Roads. I would recommend you trim back the branches and cut down those trees that may be of risk falling.
- When a major weather event is forecast and you live on the side roads it is time that you should make sure you are well stocked with food, spare water, batteries, etc. I have had calls from residents that wait until the weather hits and want to go down and get milk and bread…. I always wish them luck.
- Ant type of emergency services at best would be seriously delayed or non-existent depending on weather and road conditions.
I offer these suggestions as a way to minimize the impact of these conditions on your quality to life during a major weather event.
