Anderson County Fire Control
and
Honea Path Fire Department
both have the capabilities of setting off the siren. 
The Honea Path Fire Department members have been trained in

In the event of a fire or an emergency, the response time of the Town's Fire Department and Police Department can be greatly affected by the ease of locating your home. For this reason, Town requires that numerical addresses for each building or individual property unit be posted immediately above, on, or at the side of the proper door of each building so that the number can be seen plainly from the street, be at least three inches in height, and be made of a durable material. This helps to protect you in emergency situations so that emergency crews can reach your home in a timely manner

Lightning is a serious hazard that occurs during thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.  More people die from lightning than any other storm related incidents.  When thunderstorms threaten your area, get inside a building or car (not a convertible) whenever possible.  Avoid bathtubs, water faucets, and other metal fixtures that can conduct electricity.  Avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies.

If your cannot make it to a building or car, follow these rules for safety:  

In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, but be alert for flash floods that can affect these areas.

Do not stand underneath a natural lightning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.

Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape, as you would do if you were standing on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach, or fishing from a small boat.

Get out of and away from open water.

Get away from tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.

Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails, and other metallic paths, which could carry lightning to you from some distance away.

If you are isolated in a level field and you feel your hair stand on end (which indicates that lightning is about to strike), drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hands on your knees.  Do not lie flat on the ground.

Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region.  Even areas which normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snow storm or extreme cold.  The results can range from isolation due to blocked roads and downed power lines to the havoc of icy roadways to the dangers of hypothermia and frostbite.

It is important to know the terms used to describe winter storm conditions.  They are:

Freezing rain – rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roadways.

Sleet – rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.  Sleet also causes roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Weather Advisory – cold, ice, and snow are expected within the next few days.

Winter Storm Watch – severe winter weather such as heavy snow or ice is possible within the next day or two.

Winter Storm Warning – severe winter weather has begun or is about to begin.

Blizzard Warning – heavy snow and strong winds will produce a blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

Frost/Freeze Warning – below freezing temperatures are expected.

Preparation for a winter storm is the best method for minimizing injury or damage during one.  There will be little time to move to protected areas once a winter storm is in the immediate vicinity.  Follow these important steps to prepare yourself and your family for the storm.

When skies are threatening or a winter storm watch has been issued for the Honea Path area, listen local radio or television newscasts for the latest information and special instructions from local officials.

Learn community evacuation procedures and routes.   Keep you car fueled and in good condition in case evacuation is required.

Gather emergency supplies and have them on hand in case a winter storm approaches.  Keep a snow shovel, rock salt to melt ice, sand to improve traction, flashlights, fresh water, and non-perishable foods handy.

Prepare for possible isolation in your home.  Make sure you have emergency heating equipment and fuel so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable in the event that regular fuel sources are cut off.  If you have a gas fireplace or heater, be sure that your fuel supply is abundant.  Kerosene Heaters are another option; however, check with your fire department to see whether they are legal in your community.  Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure your family knows how to use them.

Winterize your home to conserve your fuel supply and save money.  Insulate walls and attics.  Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.  Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

Winterize your family by having appropriate clothing for the weather.  Have several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing for each person.  Have a good supply of coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves.

When working outside or traveling, dress for the weather.  Wear several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.  Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.  Remember that mittens are warmer than gloves.  Wear a hat – most body heat is lost through the top of the head.  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold air.

Be careful when shoveling snow.  Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter.  If you must shovel snow, do some stretch exercises before going out and take frequent breaks.  Watch for signs of frostbite, typically a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose.  Also watch for signs of hypothermia, which is characterized by uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.  If symptoms of either are detected, get medical help immediately.

When at home, conserve fuel by keeping your house cooler than normal.  Temporarily "close off" heat to some rooms.  In the event that regular fuel sources are cut off, keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable with a wood or gas fireplace or stove.  When using kerosene heaters, maintain ventilation to avoid build-up of toxic fumes.  Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

Many people are forced to drive in perfect winter storm conditions.  If possible stay out of dangerous weather.  If you must travel by car, drive in the day with passengers and keep others informed of your schedule.  Stay on main roads and avoid back roads and shortcuts.  Keep your car "winterized" by checking antifreeze and other fluids regularly and using snow tires.  Carry a winter car kit in the trunk of your car that has a shovel, windshield scraper, battery-powered radio, flash-light, extra batteries, water, snack food, mittens, hat, blanket, tow chain or rope, tire chains, bag of road salt, sand, a fluorescent distress flag, booster cables, road maps, and emergency flares.

If a blizzard traps you in your car, pull off the highway.  Turn on your hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window.  Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.  Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.  Be careful when walking – distances are distorted by blowing snow.  A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in deep snow.

Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm.  When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation.  This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.  Be careful not to use up battery power.  Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply.  At night, turn on the inside dome light so work crews can see you.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion.  In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation.  Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.  Take turns sleeping.  One person should be awake at all times to look out for rescue crews.  If stranded in a remote rural or wilderness area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.  Once the blizzard passes, you may need to leave the car and proceed on foot.

Heat can affect anyone.  However, it is more likely to affect young children, elderly people, and people with health problems.  For instance, people with a medical condition that causes poor blood circulation and those who take medications to get rid of water from the body (diuretics) or for certain skin conditions may be more susceptible.  Consult with a physician if you have any questions about how your medication may affect your ability to tolerate heat.

It is important to know the terms used to describe heat wave conditions.  They are:

Heat wave – prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity.

Heat Index – a number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.  Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Preparation for a heat wave is the best method for minimizing injury or illness during one.  Follow these important steps to prepare yourself and your family for a heat wave.

When temperatures become unbearably hot or a heat wave has been predicted for the Town of Honea Path, listen to area newscasts for the latest information and special instructions from area officials.

Learn community evacuation procedures and routes.  Keep you car fueled and in good condition in case evacuation is required.

Discuss with your family the safest and coolest places to be at home, at work, or at school.  These places are often the lowest floors in buildings or rooms that are air-conditioned.  Stay in these places as much as possible during the heat wave.

Have a large supply of bottled water and foods low in protein on hand.  Water is often a rare commodity during a heat wave.

Prepare for possible isolation in your home.  Purchase an air conditioner, even for just one room, and make sure your air conditioner has been properly serviced.  Once a heat wave begins, air conditioning vendors will be too busy to promptly install or service your air conditioner.  Also purchase and use electric fans in your home.

Consider the needs of young children, elderly persons, and people with health problems who live around you.  They will be most affected during a heat wave.

Have appropriate clothing for the weather.  Lightweight, light-colored clothing is best during hot weather.

When working outside or traveling, dress for the weather.  Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.  Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's emergency.  Slow down your pace and avoid strenuous activity.  If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.  This will help you avoid heat-related illnesses, like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.  These conditions are characterized by pale or flushed skin, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, a rapid or weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, and exhaustion.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms, usually in the abdomen or legs, due to heavy exertion.  Heat exhaustion is a mild form of shock caused by a loss of body fluids through heavy sweating.  Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where the temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working, causing the body temperature to rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.  In all cases, get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.  Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths.  If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink every 15 minutes.  Make sure the person drinks slowly.  If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or changes level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.  Dial 911 - Call for emergency assistance immediately.

Stay indoors as much as possible during heat waves and use air conditioning.  If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor of your home, out of the sunshine.  Use electric fans – they do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.

Drink plenty of fluids regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty.  Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.  Your body needs water to keep cool.  Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.  They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse.  This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.  Eat small meals and eat more often.  Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.  Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.