August 21, 2017 On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will be visible along a thin, roughly 100 mile-wide path that runs diagonally across America from Oregon to South Carolina. Beginning around 2:38 p.m. on Monday, August 21, 2017, viewers who have gathered in areas like Greenville, Columbia…
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…
Snow & Ice to Hit South Carolina, Freezing Temps Statewide
January 27, 2014 Columbia, S.C. (Monday, January 27, 5:00 P.M.) - The South Carolina Emergency Management Division asks residents to prepare themselves and their homes for a dangerous developing winter weather situation. The National Weather Service says the forecast for this week calls for snow…
Donations Donations of products for disaster relief require transportation, warehousing, and distribution of the products. The most effective offer is a monetary donation. Charitable organizations assisting South Carolina victims will use your donation to purchase - locally if possible - the exact…
In South Carolina, several variations of flood hazards occur due to the different effects of severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, seasonal rains and other weather-related conditions. The State's low-lying topography, combined with its humid subtropical climate, makes it highly vulnerable to inland or…
The South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan (SCEOP) is an all-hazard plan developed for use by state government departments and agencies to ensure a coordinated and effective response to natural, technological, or man-made disasters that may occur in South Carolina. The plan is organized to…
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…
South Carolina was affected by fourteen major disasters between 2014 to 2025. Below is a summary of the overall disaster impact for each event. Edisto Flooding 2024 In early November 2024, a non-tropical weather system caused major flooding in Orangeburg County, with 12-15 inches of rain falling…
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…
Team South Carolina Prepares For Tropical Depression Nine
September 27, 2025 Columbia, S.C. – Team South Carolina continues to monitor Tropical Depression Nine. The State Emergency Operations Center is activated and staffed by emergency personnel from multiple state agencies and emergency organizations. “The forecast for the incoming tropical depression…
August 10, 2017 Heat Injuries • Vehicle Safety • Recreation Safety • Sports Safety • Water Safety • Outdoor Safety Summer is what South Carolina is known for. With all the fun in the sun to be had, it's also when the potential increases for heat-related injuries. Heat injuries are preventable. …
August 4, 2015 Heat Injuries • Vehicle Safety • Recreation Safety • Sports Safety • Water Safety • Outdoor Safety Summer is what South Carolina is known for. With all the fun in the sun to be had, it's also when the potential increases for heat-related injuries. Heat injuries are preventable. …
Summer is what South Carolina is known for. With all the fun in the sun to be had, it's also when the potential increases for heat-related injuries. Heat injuries are preventable. Follow these simple recommendations to stay safe in the summer sun: Drink plenty of water Avoid heavy meals at lunch…
Update on Team SC Response and Recovery After Helene
October 1, 2024 As cleanup efforts remain in full effect and utility crews work diligently to restore power and deliver essential resources to the areas hit the hardest, state agencies are asking residents to be patient. “I know these are trying times for so many of our South Carolina families as…
Wildfires can be attributed to many different causes, but most of them involve human carelessness. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of wildfires in South Carolina, responsible for more wildfire ignitions than all other causes combined. Other leading causes include equipment use…
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division can trace its lineage back to 1950, although a predecessor in some form probably existed in the context of the Home Guard, which was established during World War II. South Carolina Civil Defense was organized under Act 888 of 1950 as a division of…
The Great ShakeOut & Earthquake Preparedness Week October 18, 2017 South Carolina Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2017 will be October 15-21. A highlight of the week will be the Great Southeast ShakeOUT earthquake safety drill. You can sign up for the Great ShakeOUT now. Read More About The Great…
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…
Winter Weather Preparedness Week December 4, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed the week of December 4 through December 10, 2016, as South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week. Read More About Winter Weather Preparedness Week S.C. Residents Have Two Weeks to Apply for…