It only takes a few minutes outside to know it is cold and a brief glance at the forecast reveals lows in the teens for the rest of the week.

Also, a chance of snow late Thursday has local emergency and school officials on guard.

“We are just watching and waiting. We will monitor this closely to give advice to the schools,“ says Sheriff Lee Foster of tomorrow’s forecasted 50 percent chance of snow. “No firm plans in motion as of yet.“

But even if we don’t have snow, Foster’s “biggest advice is watch for black ice because there is still water draining from unprecedented heavy rains.“

Foster said that the first part of the week his office had several calls about black ice.

Another warning for motorists is to remove all ice from the windows before driving.

With five people dying in state over the weekend in house fires, Newberry Fire Chief Keith Minick wants residents to be cautious while heating homes.

However, local health care officials say there have been no cold-related injuries or cases in Newberry County.

Minick reminds residents to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for charged batteries and proper repair.

Below freezing temperatures can also increase the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless toxic gas when any fuel such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. Carbon monoxide can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, becoming deadly.

Since the gas cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, it can kill quickly or slowly. Carbon monoxide can also cause permanent damage to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. People of all ages can be affected, but infants and children are the most vulnerable.

Minick says check batteries in weather radios and flashlights.

If fireplaces or wood stoves have not been used, they need to be checked and cleaned.

The fire chief also reminds residents to be extremely careful with candles and gas lanterns, and recommends using flashlights instead.

If there are any concerns with smoke detectors, fires or heating appliances, Minick suggest calling the local fire department or 911.

Coroner Craig Newton suggests making checks on older neighbors, family and friends.

Also, residents are reminded that state law prohibits power companies from turning off electricity or gas during periods of cold weather.

Pet owners are reminded to bring pets inside or make sure they have a warm area.

Animal Control Operations Manager Mike Pisano says local law requires that outdoor pups have shelter with three sides and a roof. He also suggests using bedding such as hay or straw or old blankets to keep dogs warm.

Both small and large pets and farm animals will need an ample—unfrozen—supply of water.

Livestock producers should be regularly checking water supplies to cattle, as well as “winterizing“ waterlines, wells, etc., advises Clemson Extension Agent Jay Crouch.

“If practical, livestock should be moved to barns overnight,“ adds Crouch.

Local small grain crops should be safe as they actually require a certain amount of cold weather (called a vernalization requirement) for proper growth and grain development, adds Crouch.

But strawberry farmer Todd Lever has been busy covering his young plants to prevent them from being killed.

Other advice includes:

Wear clothing in layers;

Avoid being outside for long periods of time if possible;

Make sure to wrap pipes or leave water running.

Frozen plumbing that leads to burst pipes can easily produce several thousand dollars in property damage for a home and if no one is home at the time those losses can reach tens of thousands of dollars.

Nationally, in 2007, water damage (including frozen, burst pipes) accounted for about 22 percent of all homeowners’ insurance claims according to the Insurance Information Institute. The average claim was for $5,531.

Standard homeowners and renter’s insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind-driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof. Some policies cover sewer and drain backups, but many do not; however, you can purchase a sewer backup rider to a homeowner’s or renter’s policy for approximately an additional $50 each year, with the policy limits varying depending upon the insurer.

South Carolinians might see a bigger problem with pipes freezing than those in the North because many houses in the state have slab foundations and water pipes running through attics. Also, southern homeowners are less apt to prepare pipes for freezing conditions, the South Carolina Insurance Service says.