2020 News Releases

South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week November 24, 2020 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed the week of November 29 through December 5, 2020, as South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service along…

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 upcoming winter season during South Carolina…

FEMA Public Assistance Approved for Allendale County

November 6, 2019 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved Public Assistance for Allendale County for help in recovering emergency costs following Hurricane Dorian. This assistance from FEMA enables state agencies, local governments and certain private non-profits to recoup…

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance is Still Available for South Carolinians

March 1, 2022 Federal funding for COVID-19-related funeral costs is still available. FEMA has provided more than $42 million to more than 6,000 people in South Carolina who lost loved ones during the pandemic. To apply for assistance or ask questions about an existing application, individuals…

Hurricane Evacuation Survey

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…

Senior P.R.E.P. Program Kickoff

September 25, 2023 When an emergency impacts South Carolina, older adults are among the most vulnerable. Taking precautions ahead of time can greatly benefit seniors in vulnerable situations. The Senior P.R.E.P. (Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness) program, created by the South…

SCEMD Hosts Full-Scale Exercise to Prepare for Pipeline Disruption During Cold Snap

March 14, 2025 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) hosted a full-scale exercise this week, bringing together members of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team (SERT) and local partners from across the state, as well federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and…

SCEMD Tracking Tropical Storm Chantal

July 5, 2025 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Chantal, which is located south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina. Chantal will begin impacting the state on Saturday, bringing heavy rain, isolated flash flooding, gusty winds, and high rip…

South Carolina Hurricane Plan

The purpose of the South Carolina Hurricane Plan is to provide a framework of actions necessary for emergency operations in response to a hurricane in South Carolina. The South Carolina Hurricane Plan is Appendix 1 to the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan. 2025 Hurricane Base Plan Title…

National Preparedness Day: Know Your Flood Risk

April 28, 2016 As part of National Preparedness Day on April 30, the S.C. Emergency Management Division and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources encourage everyone in South Carolina to take steps that reduce the risks of severe flooding. While many parts of the state are still recovering from…

Mobile Applications

SC Emergency Manager The official app of SCEMD. It is designed for users to build their own emergency plans, to keep track of supplies and to stay connected to loved ones. In addition, coastal residents can now “Know Your Zone” instantly using the maps feature as well as locate the nearest…

Evacuation Orders Lifted for Horry, Georgetown Counties

October 10, 2016 In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley announced Monday that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Horry and Georgetown counties as of 8:00 AM. Orders for Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties were lifted…

Evacuation Orders Lifted for Beaufort and Jasper Counties

October 9, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley on Sunday announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties as of 6:30 PM. At the request of local officials, evacuation orders for zones in Georgetown and…

Evacuation Orders Lifted For Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley And Colleton Counties

October 9, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley on Sunday announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley and Colleton counties as of 10:00 AM. At the request of local officials, evacuation orders…

SCEMD Monitors Subtropical Storm Ana

May 8, 2015 The first named storm of 2015 has formed and will affect South Carolina this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for portions of the South Carolina coast. Forecasters expect Subtropical Storm Ana to produce heavy rain, gusty wind and rough surf.…

S.C. Agencies, Residents Prepare for Hurricane Florence

September 9, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to monitor Hurricane Florence, which forecasters say could affect the East Coast as a powerful storm. The state Emergency Operations Center is operational, staffed by emergency personnel from various…

Winter Weather Expected in South Carolina

December 7, 2018 Columbia, S.C. -Residents in the Upstate should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety preparations. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict the possibility of a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow for portions of the state. The S.C. Emergency…

Gov. Henry McMaster Creates accelerateSC, a Coordinated Economic Revitalization Plan

April 20, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Recognizing the impact of COVID-19’s impact to South Carolina’s economy, Governor Henry McMaster today announced the creation of accelerateSC, a coordinated economic revitalization plan involving small and large business leaders, healthcare professionals, local…

Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm

January 21, 2026 Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2026-02 declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for a winter storm system expected to impact the state beginning Saturday and continuing through the weekend, possibly into Monday. The governor's order activates the South…

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Chester County

October 23, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Chester County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Chester County Chester County Government Office 1476 J A Cochran Bypass Chester, SC 29706 Open Oct. 24-26, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. Additional Disaster…