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…
Rain, Flash Flooding Possible with T.S. Irma
September 11, 2017 As Tropical Storm Irma continues to affect South Carolina, residents should pay close attention to weather conditions throughout the state. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that T.S. Irma could produce three to six inches of rain along with…
Gov. Henry McMaster Orders Evacuations for Barrier Islands in Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper Counties
September 8, 2017 Governor Henry McMaster today ordered the evacuation of certain barrier islands in Beaufort, Colleton and Jasper Counties. Due to the potential impact of Hurricane Irma, residents on those islands should prepare to evacuate their homes beginning tomorrow, Saturday, September 9 at…
Register Now for Free FEMA/FLASH Charleston QuakeSmart Workshop
November 3, 2016 WHAT: The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), FEMA, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), South Carolina Department of Insurance, South Carolina Emergency Management Division , and their partners are now accepting registrations for the QuakeSmart …
November 1, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, Nov. 1) – With so much attention given to businesses and homeowners, survivors who are renters may think they are not eligible for disaster assistance even though they suffered losses from the storms and floods spawned by Hurricane Matthew. But they are.…
Gov. Nikki Haley To Host Team South Carolina Lowcountry Day
October 31, 2016 State and federal officials, non-profits will offer residents disaster relief assistance COLUMBIA, S.C. –Governor Nikki Haley will visit Ridgeland on Wednesday, November 2, for a Team South Carolina Hurricane Matthew relief event. Team South Carolina Lowcountry Day will serve…
October 17, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved fifteen additional counties for Individual Assistance, allowing survivors who sustained losses to apply for aid in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance include: Allendale,…
Marion and Orangeburg Counties Eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance
October 15, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents in Marion and Orangeburg counties who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew are now eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program. Survivors who sustained losses in these two designated counties can apply for federal…
Rain, Flash Flooding Possible with T.S. Julia
September 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, September 14, 2016) – South Carolina Emergency Management recommends that people pay close attention to weather associated with Tropical Storm Julia. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that T.S. Julia could produce…
SCEMD Monitors Hurricane Joaquin, Urges Everyone to Review Plans
September 30, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Hurricane Joaquin, and as a result of the storm’s projected movement, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises. “There’s a lot of…
Tropical Storm Andrea Forms, Prompting Preps
June 6, 2013 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Thursday, June 6, 2013, 9:30 a.m.) – The first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed and could potentially affect South Carolina. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center expect Tropical Storm Andrea to produce heavy rain and…
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…
South Carolina Should Prepare for Hurricane Matthew
October 2, 2016 Columbia, S.C. (Sunday, October 2, 2016) - The S.C. Emergency Management Division has begun initial preparations for Hurricane Matthew, currently a category four hurricane that could affect the East Coast U.S. in the coming days. Based on the storm’s projected strength and…
Gov. Henry McMaster Orders Non-Essential Businesses Closed Throughout S.C.
March 31, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2020-17 , which orders the closure of nonessential businesses, as defined by the executive order, throughout the state in order to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The businesses that will be closed as a…
Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency to Support Response Efforts to Flash Flooding
November 7, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2024-33 , declaring a State of Emergency to assist South Carolina's response to flooding in the eastern Midlands and portions of the Lowcountry. The executive order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and…
SCEMD and Partners Agencies Monitor Edisto River
November 11, 2024 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, in partnership with county and state agencies, closely monitors water levels along the Edisto River. Due to recent weather conditions, the river’s rising levels may affect surrounding areas. Residents near the Edisto River are…
Kim Stenson was named Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division of the Adjutant General’s Office in June 2013. Under his direction, the Division provides oversight and coordination for emergency and disaster consequence management planning, and response and recovery operations…
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…
The statewide tornado drill will be conducted Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. Public schools, state and local Emergency Management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in this annual event. The purpose of the drill is to test communication systems, safety…
Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation of Georgetown & Horry Areas
October 5, 2016 COLUMBIA,S.C. (Thursday, October 5, 2016) - As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of coastal areas in and around Horry and Georgetown, South Carolina. Residents and visitors in certain parts of…