Stormwater Awareness Week in the CSRA Encourages the Community to Keep Waterways Clean
Stormwater Awareness Week is here and falls on the last week of September annually. Stormwater Awareness Week is about increasing awareness of how we contribute to stormwater runoff and how to keep the waterways clean. Believe it or not, our daily activities can impact our lakes, rivers, and streams.
Within the CSRA, the week is dedicated to community outreach and raising awareness of how rainwater moves through infrastructure and our environment.
The community has put on events throughout the week for the community to get involved in this effort.
Columbia County Stormwater Awareness Week Events:
Reading Challenge at Columbia County Library – Columbia County Stormwater Compliance is partnering with Columbia County Library to challenge people of all ages to read and learn more about water. The challenge started September 25th and will run through October 31st. The more you read the more chances you have to win the grand prize.
Hazard Mitigation Presentation – Community members had a chance to learn about stormwater fees at work. That event was held on September 26th.
But it’s not too late to get in on the events!
Reed Creek Clean Up – September 30th from 9 am to 11 am Columbia County Stormwater Compliance Department is partnering with Reed Creek Nature Park to clean up Reed Creek.
Canines for Clean Water Photo Contest – The county is calling for all dog owners to submit a photo of their dog for an opportunity to be the face of Canines For Clean Water. A campaign to encourage citizens to do their part by picking up after pets.
Aiken, South Carolina also hosted a few events this week for Stormwater Awareness. Another event to lookout for in Aiken is story time at the Nancy Carson Library with Ruby Rain Drop. This will take place on Friday, September 29 at 11:15 a.m.
Get out in nature this week and learn about where your stormwater runoff goes.
10 Essential Items To Help You After A Major Storm
1) Collapsible Water Container
Especially when water is hard to find, having these containers on hand to fill up with water at home could really come in handy. These containers are collapsible so they don’t take up a lot of room and hold over 5 gallons if you need water to drink, brush your teeth or for bathing.
2) Emergency Food Supply
In case the power goes out, you’ll want things you can eat easily that won’t spoil. You’ll want a minimum of a three-day supply per person. This 4-gallon watertight bucket has 92 servings of food and best of all, if you don’t need it this year, it has a shelf-life ranging from 10-30 years.
3) Hand-Crank Radio
This is so important because if power goes out and you no longer have access to TV or internet, this would be your only option for updates. We learned last year during Hurricane Ian radio is #1 for hurricane info. This emergency crank radio also has a flashlight, reading lamp, and a cell phone charger so it’s multi-purpose.
4) Crank Flashlight
If the power goes out, any source of light will be crucial, especially after the sun goes down. Having a crank flashlight that doesn’t require a power source and one that won’t blow through batteries is great to have. This one also has a radio and USB charging for phones.
5) Pet Travel Bag
In the instance that you have to evacuate, having an easy way to transport your pet’s supplies is important. With this bag, it comes with containers for food, bowls, and plenty of room for treats, waste bags, and leashes.
6) Coloring Books
We all know how attached we are to our phones and tablets. Without being able to keep busy that way, we’ll need something to keep us entertained. These coloring books are fun and detailed so they’ll take a while for kids and adults to complete.
7) Propane Camping Stove
I hated last year having to throw so much food away due to the lack of power, so having a way to cook it would be helpful. This camping stove runs off of propane with an hour of cooking time per cylinder and even has wind guards for cooking outside.
8) Batteries
When you only use batteries now and then, they tend to last. But without power and the use of batteries constantly, you’ll blow through them. This pack is not only priced great, but with 100 batteries that have a 10-year shelf life, even if you don’t use them this year, you’ll be stocked for a while.
9) Solar Power Bank
The more ways we can charge devices, the better. Even if we’re not scrolling endlessly as we do on our phones, having a charge to make phone calls or check email/social media to communicate with others is essential. This solar power bank can charge 4 devices at the same time, at full speed.
10) Waterproof Dry Bag
These bags can come in handy for keeping extra clothes and a blanket dry. Also good for storing important documents like your passport, cash, insurance cards, birth certificate, will, and social security cards.
Please note that items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time we published this list. Have an idea for a fun theme for a gift idea list you’d like us to create? Drop us a line at shopping@bbgi.com.
