Public And Individual Assistance For Storm Damage, Response Costs Approved For Additional Counties (1)

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…

Hurricane Ian Cleanup in South Carolina

October 3, 2022 Crews clearing roads of sand and debris are now reporting most areas are accessible to residents, although a few roads may still be closed for safety concerns. Anyone who experienced damage to their property due to Hurricane Ian should begin recovery and cleanup as soon as…

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…

2022 News Releases

FEMA Aid now available for Hurricane Ian November 22, 2022 At the request of Governor Henry McMaster, the President has declared a disaster exists in South Carolina as a result of Hurricane Ian. Residents who suffered damage in Charleston, Georgetown and Horry counties may now register for…

SCDNR: Avoid Displaced Wildlife

October 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, October 14, 2016) – Residents in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew and flooding in the Pee Dee should be cautious of wildlife that have moved to high ground. The natural instinct of these creatures is to seek safety and return to their natural habitats…

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,…

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:…

2025 News Releases

SC Winter Weather Preparedness Week December 1, 2025 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed November 30 through December 6, 2025, as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in South Carolina. Read More About SC Winter Weather Preparedness Week SCEMD Issues Notice About Emergency Notification System…

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…

Residents Should Prepare for Winter Weather

January 5, 2017 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division asks residents to prepare themselves and their homes for possible winter weather. Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect a wintry mix of snow, ice and rain for much of the state beginning Friday evening and lasting…

Team South Carolina Begins Transition to Normal Operations Following Tropical Storm Michael

October 11, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the need for immediate life-safety and disaster response resources begins to subside across the state, agencies are beginning the transition to normal, daily operations. Tropical Storm Michael is continuing to move rapidly out of South Carolina. Forecasters…

Tropical Storm Idalia Cleanup in South Carolina

August 31, 2023 Crews clearing roads of debris and sand from Tropical Storm Idalia are now reporting most areas are accessible to residents, although a few roads may still be closed for safety concerns. Anyone who experienced damage to their property due to the storm should begin recovery and…

Director

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…

County Emergency Managers

Select Your County Select your county Abbeville Aiken Allendale Anderson Bamberg Barnwell Beaufort Berkeley Calhoun Charleston Cherokee Chester Chesterfield Clarendon Colleton Darlington Dillon Dorchester Edgefield Fairfield Florence Georgetown Greenville Greenwood Hampton Horry Jasper Kershaw…

Emergency Shelters Now Open

October 5, 2016 Columbia, S.C. (Wednesday, October 5, 2016) – The South Carolina Response Team today announced the opening of shelters across the state for residents and visitors who are evacuating from coastal areas as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Shelters began opening on Wednesday, October 5,…

Taiwan Donates 92,000 Surgical Masks to the State of South Carolina

July 7, 2020 (WEST COLUMBIA, SC) - The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta (TECO) has donated 92,000 surgical masks to support South Carolina frontline medical personnel in the fight against COVID-19. South Carolina state government agencies worked together to ensure the delivery of the…

2021 Hurricane Preparedness Week Begins Sunday

May 26, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed May 30 through June 5 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. SCEMD, county emergency managers and the National Weather Service urge individuals, businesses and communities to begin preparations ahead of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane…

Hurricane Season 2022

May 26, 2022 Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May 29 through June 4 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National Weather Service along with all members of the State Emergency Response Team urge…

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…