There’s a change in the air.

Quite literally.

Fall is quickly receding as the next season in line — winter — starts to play a part in the weather here in Union County and the rest of the Upstate.

While there were no serious complications from Wednesday’s three or more inches of rain in some spots and mighty winds that other areas experienced, according to local officials, it — as well as other recent weather events — signal the start of what’s to come.

Morning temperatures already are dipping into the 30s and there’s even the possibility of a few inches of snow and winter storm conditions in the higher elevations of the mountain region and even a few wet white flakes in the Upstate this weekend.

The National Weather Service in Greenville/Spartanburg is forecasting a cooler and wetter winter for Union County and the Upstate and with Winter Preparedness Week slated for Dec. 7-11 here in South Carolina now is the right time to be prepared for whatever the 2009-10 winter season will bring.

That means getting to know the terms associated with the wide variety of weather the state experiences during the winter and knowing how to stay safe.

This is the first of two parts focusing on getting you ready for Old Man Winter. The next story, set for Tuesday, will focus on driving in winter weather.

KNOW YOUR WINTER WEATHER TERMS:

Here are some terms for you to keep in mind when it comes to winter weather.

Winter Storm Warning

• Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring and usually issued 12-24 hours prior to the storm’s expected arrival.

Winter Storm Watch

• Alerts the public to the possibility of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet and issued 12-48 hours before the storm is expected to arrive.

Wind Chill Warning

• Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.

Wind Chill Advisory

• Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.

Winter Weather Advisories

• Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Dense Fog Advisory

• Issued when fog will reduce visibility to one-quarter mile or less over a widespread area.

Sleet

• Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.

Freezing Rain

• Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars and roads, forming a coating or glaze ofice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

KEEP AHEAD OF THE STORM:

• If there is severe winter weather imminent, stay informed of the situation by by listening to weather reports on the radio or your local television station and keep an ear open for any winter storm warnings, watches or advisories. You also can purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

DRESS FOR THE SEASON:

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothes in layers. Trapped air insulates. Remove layers to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded. Wear a hat. Half your body heat loss can be from the head. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves. Try to stay dry.

SOURCE: The National Weather Service

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER?

Winter weather too often catches people unprepared. According to the National Weather Service, researchers say that 70 percent of the fatalities related to ice and snow occur in automobiles and about 25 percent of all winter related fatalities are people caught off guard, out in the storm. Here are a few reminders from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division of how to be prepared in the event of a major winter storm.

• Keep exposure to cold weather to a minimum.

• When the weather is cold, don’t go outdoors unless you have to. If you must go out, dress in layers and cover your ears, head and hands which are most prone to frostbite.

• Stock up on heating fuel and prepare emergency heating sources like fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.

• Never burn charcoal briquettes indoors.

• Remember the usual emergency supplies: Flashlight and batteries, battery-powered radio, extra nonperishable food and water, extra medicines and baby items and first-aid supplies.

• Prepare a place indoors for pets. Move farm animals to shelters and have extra feed and water available.

• Use extreme caution when operation a portable generator. Be sure to read the owner’s manual first. Do not operate a generator indoors or in any confined space. Exhaust fumes can be very dangerous.

CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN:

The National Weather Serive recommends families prepare a disaster plan and practice it so everyone knows what to do in the event of severe winter weather.

Steps to Take

• Gather information about hazards. Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans. Assess your risks and identify ways to make your home and property more secure.

• Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss your plan with your family. Pick two places to meet: A spot outside your home for an emergency and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your “family check-in contact” for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

• Implement your plan:

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone.

2. Install safety features in your home, such as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

3. Inspect your home for potential hazards and correct them.

4. Have your family learn basic safety measures such as CPR, AED and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.

5. Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number.

6. Keep enough supplies in your home for at least 3 days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

• Practice and maintain your plan.