Training and Exercises

The SCEMD Training and Exercise Section is responsible for coordinating the training of emergency planners and response personnel throughout all levels of government in South Carolina, as well as the developing and execution of state emergency management exercises. SCEMD Training Resources…

Tropical Storm Erika

August 28, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Tropical Storm Erika. As a result of the storm’s projected movement and quickly-changing forecasts, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises.…

SCEMD Conducts Evacuations Needs Survey

August 20, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will be conducting a telephone survey to better understand the needs of coastal residents who would need assistance during a large-scale emergency evacuation. SCEMD, along with the emergency managers in Horry, Georgetown, Charleston,…

Operational Condition Levels (OPCON)

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division operates on a system of Operational Condition Levels, also known as OPCONS. This numerical scale is how SCEMD, the State Emergency Response Team and counties coordinate, prepare and respond to major emergencies. The levels are designed to simplify…

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…

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…

2013 News Releases

S.C. Attains National EMAP Accreditation December 4, 2013 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the State Emergency Response Team received the high honor of national accreditation this August from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Read More About S.C. Attains National…

Storm cleanup during COVID-19

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:…

Hurricane Helene Assistance for Survivors

November 5, 2024 President Biden declared a major disaster for South Carolina on September 29, 2024, based on the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Counties declared for Individual Assistance for Hurricane Helene: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester,…

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Charleston And Jasper Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors

November 9, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Disaster recovery centers are now open in North Charleston and Ridgeland to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Charleston and Jasper County centers will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice. Representatives from the…

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Beaufort And Colleton Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors

November 2, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – A disaster recovery center is now open in Walterboro to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew, the Colleton County center will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice. Another disaster recovery center will open tomorrow,…

Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Berkeley And Georgetown Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors

November 1, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Disaster recovery centers are now open in Georgetown and St. Stephen to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Berkeley and Georgetown County centers will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice. Representatives from the…

Gov. Nikki Haley To Host Team South Carolina Pee Dee Day

October 21, 2016 State and federal officials, non-profits will offer residents disaster relief assistance COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley will visit Marion on Friday, October 28, for a Team South Carolina Hurricane Matthew relief event. Team South Carolina Pee Dee Day will serve residents…

Beware of Scams in the Wake of Hurricane Matthew

October 8, 2016 Columbia, S.C. — People affected by Hurricane Matthew should be aware of potential scams that could come in the form of emails, phone calls, text messages, and others. Scams of this kind are often times used against individuals in areas that have recently been affected by natural…

Community help for COVID-19

April 14, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, April 14, 2020) – The South Carolina Emergency Response Team requests donations of greatly needed supplies to help emergency personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific needs include personal protective equipment such as double gloves, medical gowns,…

Hurricane Helene Cleanup in South Carolina

September 28, 2024 Crews with state and local agencies are assessing damage caused by Hurricane Helene and coordinating response efforts to South Carolina’s hardest hit areas. Parts of the state saw tornadoes, flooding, downed powerlines and fallen tree limbs. Residents in South Carolina who have…

Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in Kershaw, Laurens, Orangeburg Counties

October 31, 2024 Disaster Recovery Centers will open in Kershaw, Laurens and Orangeburg counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Kershaw County Kershaw County Government Center 515 Walnut St. Camden, SC 29020 Open Nov. 1-10, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Laurens…

RETURN AND INITIAL RECOVERY INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE MATTHEW

October 10, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents affected by hurricane Matthew should continue monitoring local news sources and verified, official social media feeds for the most up to date information about communities and what to do when returning home. Returning Home At the request of local…

SCEMD prepares residents returning home after Tropical Depression Florence

September 16, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sunday, September 16, 2018) – Residents affected by Tropical Depression Florence should continue monitoring local news sources and verified, official social media feeds for the most up-to-date information about communities and what to do when returning home.…

Emergency Managers Monitor Tropical Storm Hermine

September 2, 2016 Columbia, SC – September 2, 2016, 5:15 p.m. - The strong winds and continued rainfall across the majority of the state have resulted in numerous closures and delays. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center will continue to provide response assistance until Hermine or its…