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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…
Disasters strike without warning and being prepared at home will help to ensure that you and your family can make the best of a bad situation. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but in many cases, they will not be able to reach everyone right away. You need…
SCEMD Wins National Public Information Award
April 23, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, April 23, 2013) – The National Association of Government Communicators awarded the South Carolina Emergency Management Division its prestigious 2013 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award. SCEMD received this national recognition for the South Carolina Earthquake…
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…
October 17, 2022 South Carolina residents now have a new tool to help them be better prepared for earthquakes. Today, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division launched Earthquake.SC , an interactive website designed to guide people through the fundamentals of earthquakes in the Palmetto…
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…
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…
The Great ShakeOut & Earthquake Preparedness Week
October 18, 2017 South Carolina to #ShakeOut for Earthquake Awareness Week Columbia, S.C. (Tuesday, October 18, 2016) - Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2016 be observed October 16-22 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to…
South Carolina to #ShakeOut for Earthquake Awareness Week
October 18, 2016 Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2016 be observed October 16-22 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to prepare for…
South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week
October 8, 2019 Columbia, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2019 be observed October 13-19 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best…
It’s important for businesses to plan and prepare for a hurricane or any emergency that could affect normal operations and employees. A large-scale disaster anywhere in the state could disrupt normal operations for any business, which is why it is important for every business to have continuity…
April 17, 2020 Columbia, S.C. – As cleanup efforts continue after Monday’s severe storm, it’s important to keep yourself safe from COVID-19. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recommend following the guidelines:…
South Carolina to ShakeOut, Launch New Earthquake Prep Resource Next Week
October 13, 2022 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2022 be observed October 16-20 in South Carolina. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to…
South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week (3)
October 12, 2023 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2023 to be observed October 15-21 in South Carolina. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best…
