Managing Mold, Muck and Mosquitoes
September 27, 2018 Heavy rains and flooding following Hurricane Florence may create several issues for residents as they begin recovery efforts. The S.C. Emergency Management Division and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control recommend following the guidelines established by the…
Ian Expected to Make Landfall in South Carolina
September 29, 2022 The National Hurricane Center recently issued a hurricane warning for portions of the South Carolina coast. Forecasters now believe Ian, which is currently a tropical storm, will make landfall somewhere near Charleston as a Category One hurricane. Everyone should finalize their…
South Carolina has relatively few natural ponds and lakes. Virtually all ponds and lakes in the state were created by the construction of a dam. There are estimates of over 10,000 man-made dams in South Carolina, but the actual number may be as high as 50,000. The vast majority of dams are below…
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…
SCEMD Monitors Potential Tropical Cyclone
August 1, 2017 SCEMD Monitors Potential Tropical Cyclone COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, August 28, 11 a.m.) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring a tropical storm system that could affect parts of the state’s coast. As a result of the storm’s projected movement up the east…
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.…
DHEC warns of floodwater dangers
October 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, October 14) – Pee Dee area residents, particularly those in hard-hit counties such as Marion, Marlboro, Dillon and Florence, should not wade or play in floodwaters resulting from Hurricane Matthew. “With rivers such as the Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Lumber,…
Long-term aid for S.C. flood survivors
April 1, 2016 Hearts & Hands Disaster Recovery will be providing long-term disaster case management services throughout the state of South Carolina. HHDR will assist flood survivors in the 24 disaster declared counties with access to long term recovery resources. The disaster-impacted counties…
S.C. launches new site for business reentry certification
August 29, 2018 Columbia, S.C. – Businesses in South Carolina now have a new automated online tool to register for post-disaster reentry following evacuations for large-scale emergencies. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division launched the new site in collaboration with South Carolina…
Evacuation Orders Lifted for Horry and Georgetown Counties Tomorrow at 9AM
September 15, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Henry McMaster today announced that evacuation orders for Horry and Georgetown counties will be lifted tomorrow morning, Sunday, September 16 at 9 AM. Earlier today, the governor lifted evacuation orders for all…
What You Need to Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 13, 2020 Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency throughout the state to enhance the state's response to the COVID-19 virus' impact on the South Carolina. Executive orders issued by Governor Henry McMaster: 2020-10 Official (PDF) | Directing Additional Emergency Measures Due to…
June 12, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2020-40, which declares a new state of emergency, allows bowling alleys to open immediately, and lifts restrictions on the occupancy of retail establishments. “South Carolinians know what they can do to keep…
Less Than Two Weeks Remain to Apply for Disaster Assistance
June 17, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina homeowners, renters and businesses who had property damage or loss caused related to the April 13 storms have less than two weeks left to register and apply for federal disaster assistance. The deadline to register for assistance from FEMA and to apply…
Tracking Helene: SCEMD Supports Statewide Response to Storm Damage
September 27, 2024 Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is supporting a state-wide response to the impacts to South Carolina from Hurricane Helene. SCEMD urges all South Carolinians to take immediate safety precautions, and to stay off the roadways if they do not have…
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…
Links and Information Assistance for Hurricane Helene Survivors Disaster Assistance Fact Sheets Apply For Disaster Assistance Find Disaster Assistance Other Recovery Help FEMA helpline South Carolina Hurricane Helene Housing Strategy In the aftermath of a disaster, it is our goal to help…
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 upcoming winter season during South Carolina…
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 sends logistics chief to Kentucky December 15, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster has authorized the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to send its Chief of Operations Support and Logistics to Kentucky to assist with tornado response and recovery efforts. Read More About SCEMD sends…
Evacuation Orders Lifted for Horry, Georgetown Counties
October 10, 2016 In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley announced Monday that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Horry and Georgetown counties as of 8:00 AM. Orders for Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties were lifted…