Spring is almost here, and so is the risk of severe weather and the power outages and flood it can cause.

March 3rd through 9th is Spring Severe Weather Week, a time to update your supplies in the event your home is affected by a weather emergency. 

Acting Richland County Emergency Management Director Keith Markley says if you have a generator, run it to make sure it's in good working order.

And if you have stockpiled bottled water and food, you might want to get fresh supplies because so-called non-perishable food doesn't stay good forever. 

And March 18th through 22nd is Flood Safety Awareness Week, which brings attention to the unseen dangers of driving through high water.

Markley says a flooded road or bridge could have been damaged by the high water, and could leave you stranded.

Markley urges homeowners to check their insurance to make sure it covers flood damage, because most policies don't.

That means you'll need a separate flood policy.

He also encourages everyone to get a weather radio, which goes off automatically when a severe weather watch or warning is issued.