FEMA Reaches Out to South Carolina Survivors with Access and Functional Needs

May 20, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. —The State of South Carolina and FEMA are committed to ensuring that services and assistance are available for survivors of the April 13 storms who have access and functional needs. It’s important for survivors to notify FEMA when they register for federal disaster help…

FEMA and South Carolina to Open Community Vaccination Center at Columbia Place Mall April 14

April 12, 2021 FEMA, partnering with the state of South Carolina, Richland County, and city of Columbia, is opening a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) site at the Columbia Place Mall. This site at 7201 Two Notch Road will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily beginning Wednesday, April 14. The…

2022 News Releases

April 7, 2022 Columbia, S.C. (Thursday, April 7, 2022) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and local emergency managers continue to assess damage in counties impacted by this week’s severe weather and tornados. No deaths have been reported as a result of these storms in South…

Extreme Heat

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…

Gov. Henry McMaster Requests Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Ian

November 1, 2022 Governor Henry McMaster today requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian. This request comes after extensive damage assessments conducted by local officials, recovery staff with the South Carolina Emergency…

SCEMD to Host Military Installations Seminar

February 10, 2023 Representatives of resident military installations within South Carolina will meet on Thursday, February 16, with state and county emergency managers as part of a disaster preparedness seminar hosted by the S.C. Emergency Management Division. Participants will discuss best…

SCEMD Achieves National Reaccreditation (1)

November 29, 2023 The Emergency Management Accreditation Program has granted the South Carolina Emergency Management Division full national accreditation. This national certification program examined the state's ability to respond to and prepare for disasters. SCEMD was first accredited in 2008…

Additional South Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

October 3, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Edgefield, Laurens and Union counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair…

Two Additional South Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance

October 4, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Abbeville and Richland counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs,…

Two Additional South Carolina Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance (1)

October 5, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Allendale and McCormick counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs,…

One Additional South Carolina County Eligible for FEMA Assistance

October 6, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Hampton County who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property…

Catawba Indian Nation, Jasper and York Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance in South Carolina

October 7, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Jasper and York counties and tribal members of the Catawba Indian Nation who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement,…

Chester, Kershaw, Orangeburg Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance in South Carolina

October 9, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Chester, Kershaw and Orangeburg counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair…

Disaster Recovery Center in Greenville County To Open on Friday

October 11, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will be opening in Greenville County at 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Center location: Greenville County Freetown Community Center 200 Alice Ave. Greenville, SC 29611 Hours of…

Beaufort, Fairfield Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance in South Carolina

October 12, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Beaufort and Fairfield counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs,…

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Oconee County

October 22, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Oconee County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Oconee County Bountyland Education Campus 100 Vocational Drive Seneca, SC 29672 Open Oct. 23-25, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery…

Federal Assistance Approved for South Carolina Following Severe November Flooding

January 14, 2025 Governor Henry McMaster announced today that his December 13, 2024 , request for a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to provide federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts following severe November flooding in Bamberg, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Counties has been…

2017 News Releases

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…

Report Winter Storm Damage to Emergency Management Officials

January 27, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina residents are urged to report damage from the recent winter storm using the free SC Emergency Manager app. Submitting damage reports through the app helps state and local officials assess the storm’s impact and plan recovery efforts. The app is…

SCEMD Moves to OPCON 2 Ahead of Winter Weather

January 30, 2026 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has moved to OPCON 2 ahead of the forecasted winter weather, reflecting a higher level of readiness among emergency response teams statewide. SCEMD officials are working closely with the South Carolina Emergency Response…