Dear Neighbors, especially those of you who are newer to Dewees, I want to encourage you to prepare your home or have a contractor prepare it for the forecasted winter storm this week. We have some experience in this area.

On January 3, 2018, a little over seven years ago, Charleston experienced a significant snowstorm that blanketed our typically warm coastal region with nearly 5 inches of snow! 🌨️ To put this in perspective, this was the 3rd largest snowfall in our city’s recorded history.

Highlights:

• Charleston Airport measured 5.3 inches of snow
• Dewees had about 4 inches of snow on the beach and more on the helicopter landing field at public works
• We made snowmen and did donuts in golf carts on the landing field (so fun!) (There are no hills in the lowcountry for sledding.)
• The snow stuck around for 5 consecutive days
• It was the longest snow event in local airport history – schools and the airport closed for about a week

For those used to northern winters, 5 inches of snow and some cold weather might sound minor. But for Charleston? This was epic. The temperatures stayed below freezing for days. Roads were quiet, palm trees looked magical, and everyone was taking photos. Here’s a link to a blog post Judy wrote about the storm. Importantly, the temperatures stayed cold for days. Homes in our area aren’t generally built to withstand such long cold snaps. The pipes at 20 or 30 houses on the island froze and burst. As they thawed, Judy and I helped Chief Richie find and shut off the leaks all over the island. A few homes suffered significant water damage. When it snows or hard freezes here, everything stops. There are literally no snowplows and no trucks spreading salt.

Preparing Your Home

Here are some things to think about beyond the standard warnings to “let your pipes drip”:

• Turn the temperature in your home UP to keep pipes warmer.
• Shut off water to and drain the water out of outdoor showers, hoses and hose bibs, etc.
• Make sure your MoenFlo Smart Water Shutoff system is working properly. (If you don’t have one of these, you should get one for the future for a bunch of reasons). Or point a security camera at your water meter so you can monitor it from afar.
• Follow advice on protecting your plants (at the end of this post I provide an AI-generated set of advice about protecting your plants)
• Turn off ice machines, especially those close to exterior walls. The machines typically drip very cold water down a drainpipe, making the pipe vulnerable to freezing when it’s extra cold. This blocks additional water from going down the drain and water might end up flooding your walls or floors.
• Use the quarter on a frozen container of ice in your freezer trick in case the power goes out (Google it, if you don’t already know about it).
• Store extra water. Judy has previously published posts about how and why to do this for hurricanes.

Hopefully, it won’t get cold enough for long enough to damage anyone’s home. But I suggest you take these simple precautions rather than be sorry you didn’t. If it does snow and stick on the beach, I hope to see you out there! Take pictures and share them with us.

AI Advice on Protecting Plants

Protecting your Lowcountry plants during a cold snap requires strategic preparation. Here are essential tips to safeguard your garden:

Key Preparation Steps

When to Start Protecting

• Begin considering frost protection when nighttime temperatures are forecast to drop below 40°F (4.4°C)
• Tropical plants are especially sensitive and need extra care when temperatures approach 35°F (2°C) (Of course, you should follow Dewees’s rules and guidelines about where non-native plants are and aren’t permitted.)

Watering and Hydration

• Water plants during the day before a frost, not at night
• Well-hydrated plants are more resistant to freeze damage
• Moist soil actually acts as a better insulator than dry soil

Covering Techniques

• Use frost cloths, old sheets, or blankets to cover plants
• Cover plants completely from top to bottom, extending to the ground
• Use stakes or poles to prevent covers from crushing delicate plants
• Secure covers with weights like bricks, stones, or logs to block cold winds
• Avoid clear plastic, which can overheat plants

Additional Protection Methods

• Move potted plants closer together
• Consider placing sensitive plants near house walls or under tree canopies for added warmth

Plants Most at Risk
Protect these Lowcountry favorites:

• Tropical hibiscus
• Mandevilla
• Bougainvillea
• Canna lilies
• Recently transplanted or young plants

Pro tip: If cold damage occurs, prune affected areas in the spring and use a root stimulator to encourage new growth.

AI Advice on Helping Birds After a Hard Freeze

After a hard freeze in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, there are several ways to help birds:

• Provide fresh water: Use a bird bath heater or heated bird bath to ensure birds have access to unfrozen water. Change the water regularly and keep the bath clean to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Keep feeders clean and well-stocked: Regularly clean and refill your feeders to ensure a consistent food supply for birds recovering from the freeze.
• Monitor for injured birds: After a hard freeze, some birds may be injured or stunned. If you find a bird in distress, gently place it in a covered box with air holes and bring it to a warm, quiet location. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for further assistance.

By implementing these measures, you can help birds in the Lowcountry of South Carolina survive and recover after a hard freeze.