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Hurricane Helene Cleanup in South Carolina
September 28, 2024 Crews with state and local agencies are assessing damage caused by Hurricane Helene and coordinating response efforts to South Carolina’s hardest hit areas. Parts of the state saw tornadoes, flooding, downed powerlines and fallen tree limbs. Residents in South Carolina who have…
Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Kershaw, Laurens, Orangeburg Counties
October 31, 2024 Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Kershaw, Laurens and Orangeburg counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Kershaw County Kershaw County Government Center 515 Walnut St. Camden, SC 29020 Open Nov. 1-10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Laurens…
Winter Weather Expected in South Carolina (1)
January 8, 2025 Residents in South Carolina should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety preparations. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict a wintry mix of rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow for portions of the state Friday into Saturday. “While it is too…
Governor Henry McMaster Requests Major Disaster Declaration Following Severe November Flooding December 13, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster today requested a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local recovery efforts following severe storms and heavy rainfall that caused…
S.C. Agencies Prepare Early for Winter Months December 1, 2014 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, December 1, 2014, 1:30 P.M.) - The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, along with the agencies that comprise the State Emergency Response Team, encourages everyone in South Carolina to prepare for the…
Governor Nikki Haley Urges Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Matthew
October 4, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. - Governor Nikki Haley today issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency and asked residents to prepare for a potential evacuation of the South Carolina coast in advance of any impact from Hurricane Matthew. As state officials continue to monitor weather…
Gov. Henry McMaster Announces Opioid Emergency Response Plan
June 20, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced the South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Plan , which details strategy and guidance developed to support state and local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The state Opioid Emergency Response Plan was developed as part…
September 10, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, in coordination with local officials, has issued Executive Order 2018-29, which orders the evacuation of coastal South Carolina residents for their personal safety as Hurricane Florence approaches. Residents in all hurricane evacuation…
South Carolina has relatively few natural ponds and lakes. Virtually all ponds and lakes in the state were created by the construction of a dam. There are estimates of over 10,000 man-made dams in South Carolina, but the actual number may be as high as 50,000. The vast majority of dams are below…
SC Continues to Recover, One Year After Hurricane Helene
September 22, 2025 Columbia, S.C. – One year after Hurricane Helene impacted South Carolina, the state continues to make significant progress in its disaster recovery efforts. State, county, federal, and non-governmental partners continue coordinated efforts to support communities in rebuilding…
Business & Industry COVID-19 Webinar
August 12, 2021 In partnership with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the South Carolina Department of Commerce will be hosting a COVID-19 webinar for business and industry on August 18 th at 11 a.m. This will be an informative webinar where the SCDHEC will update the…
S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 10-16, 2019
March 7, 2019 COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 7, 2019) — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2019 will be observed March 10-16. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind…
S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 8-14, 2020
March 6, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 6, 2020) — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2020 will be observed March 8-14. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind…
October 5, 2016 Columbia, S.C. (Wednesday, October 5, 2016) – The South Carolina Response Team today announced the opening of shelters across the state for residents and visitors who are evacuating from coastal areas as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Shelters began opening on Wednesday, October 5,…
What is SCEMD? The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is a part of the S.C. Department of the military and is the primary division of state government that is responsible for coordinating the preparation for, the response to and the recovery from major disasters in South Carolina. I have…
Many people are unaware of how common earthquakes are in South Carolina. Approximately 10 to 15 earthquakes are recorded annually in South Carolina with 3 to 5 of them felt or noticed by people. About 70 percent of South Carolina earthquakes are located in the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic…
Complete This Checklist Review SCEMD's hazard-specific publications Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.). Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help. Show each family member how and when to turn…
June 5, 2023 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division's Hurricane Evacuation Study is underway ahead of the 2023 hurricane season. With your input, this study will guide how the state plans for and responds to hurricanes in South Carolina. Previous studies helped develop the state's…
SCEMD and Military Installations Join Forces During Disaster Seminar
February 6, 2024 Military representatives across South Carolina met with state and county emergency managers for a disaster preparedness seminar hosted by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. During the seminar on Tuesday, participants discussed the best practices and lessons learned…
Military and Emergency Managers Collaborate on Disaster Preparedness
May 22, 2025 Military representatives from across South Carolina met Thursday with state and county emergency managers for a disaster preparedness seminar hosted by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Participants discussed best practices and lessons learned from exercises and past…
