South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week (2)

October 14, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2021 be observed October 17-23 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…

Prepare for Another Round of Winter Weather

January 20, 2022 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division asks residents to prepare themselves and their homes for possible winter weather. The National Weather Service predicts the possibility of snow, freezing rain and ice accumulations in much of the state lasting into Saturday. “South…

South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week (3)

November 20, 2023 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week for 2023 will be observed from November 26 through December 2, 2023. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service and the agencies comprising the State…

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cherokee, Saluda Counties

October 17, 2024 Two Disaster Recovery Centers will be open in Cherokee and Saluda counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Cherokee County East Gaffney Baptist Church 2308 Cherokee Ave. Gaffney, SC 29340 Open Oct. 17-20, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Saluda…

30 Days After Hurricane Helene, Recovery Continues in South Carolina

November 1, 2024 – Hurricane Helene made landfall on Sept. 26, bringing destructive winds, flooding, tornadoes, and extensive damage to utility infrastructure and homes in South Carolina that evening into the following day. Since then, FEMA has deployed more than 650 personnel across the state and…

S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 10-16, 2019

March 7, 2019 COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 7, 2019) — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2019 will be observed March 10-16. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind…

S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 8-14, 2020

March 6, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 6, 2020) — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2020 will be observed March 8-14. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind…

Mobile Applications

SC Emergency Manager The official app of SCEMD. It is designed for users to build their own emergency plans, to keep track of supplies and to stay connected to loved ones. In addition, coastal residents can now “Know Your Zone” instantly using the maps feature as well as locate the nearest…

Business Operations

A large-scale disaster anywhere in the state could disrupt normal operations and affect employees of any business. Every business in South Carolina should have continuity and safety plans in place prior to a major incident. Preparing Your Business for COVID-19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) 24…

2023 News Releases

SCEMD Achieves National Reaccreditation 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…

2014 News Releases

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…

Total Eclipse Safety Tips

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…

Family Disaster Plan

Create a Family Disaster Plan Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Many families already have an emergency plan for a house fire, so making an all-hazard plan will just add a few more details. Every member of the family will have a role during an emergency, so it…

2016 News Releases

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…

Winter Storm, January, 2016

January 22, 2016 Columbia, S.C. (Friday, January 22 2016, 5:30 P.M.) - The South Carolina Management Division continues to monitor the winter weather that is blanketing the eastern United States. Presently, Upstate and northern Midlands counties are experiencing various forms of precipitation to…

SC Public Agency Recovery Assistance

SC Public Agency Recovery Assistance South Carolina Public Agency Recovery Assistance (PARA) is a state-funded program administered by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) to reimburse local governments for certain disaster costs from significant hazard events when federal…

Citizens with Functional Needs

Making a plan that fits your needs ensures everyone can be ready for emergencies before they happen. Prepare In addition to the basic survival supplies, your emergency kit should contain items to meet your individual needs in various emergencies. Consider the items you use on a daily basis and…

Public Assistance

The role of the South Carolina Recovery Program is to serve as a direct liaison between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and all applicants requesting federal disaster assistance. Our trained recovery staff will make every effort to effectively communicate, coordinate, collaborate,…