SC Continues to Recover, One Year After Hurricane Helene
September 22, 2025 Columbia, S.C. – One year after Hurricane Helene impacted South Carolina, the state continues to make significant progress in its disaster recovery efforts. State, county, federal, and non-governmental partners continue coordinated efforts to support communities in rebuilding…
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…
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…
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…
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…
South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week (2)
November 25, 2020 Columbia, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed the week of November 29 through December 5, 2020, as South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service along with the agencies that comprise…
Business & Industry COVID-19 Webinar
August 12, 2021 In partnership with South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the South Carolina Department of Commerce will be hosting a COVID-19 webinar for business and industry on August 18 th at 11 a.m. This will be an informative webinar where the SCDHEC will update the…
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has partnered with the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), the lead agency for emergency traffic management, and the SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) to provide information that pertains to emergency traffic management in the…
South Carolina was affected by fourteen major disasters between 2014 to 2025. Below is a summary of the overall disaster impact for each event. Edisto Flooding 2024 In early November 2024, a non-tropical weather system caused major flooding in Orangeburg County, with 12-15 inches of rain falling…
Military and Emergency Managers Collaborate on Disaster Preparedness
May 22, 2025 Military representatives from across South Carolina met Thursday with state and county emergency managers for a disaster preparedness seminar hosted by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. Participants discussed best practices and lessons learned from exercises and past…
Complete This Checklist Review SCEMD's hazard-specific publications Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.). Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help. Show each family member how and when to turn…
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…
South Carolina Should Prepare for Hurricane Irma
September 6, 2017 Governor Henry McMaster today issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency and, along with the S.C. Emergency Management Division, has urged South Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Irma impacting the state. The executive order enables all state…
Disasters strike without warning and being prepared at home will help to ensure that you and your family can make the best of a bad situation. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but in many cases, they will not be able to reach everyone right away. You need…
FEMA Reaches Out to South Carolina Survivors with Access and Functional Needs
May 20, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. —The State of South Carolina and FEMA are committed to ensuring that services and assistance are available for survivors of the April 13 storms who have access and functional needs. It’s important for survivors to notify FEMA when they register for federal disaster help…
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…
October 17, 2022 South Carolina residents now have a new tool to help them be better prepared for earthquakes. Today, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division launched Earthquake.SC , an interactive website designed to guide people through the fundamentals of earthquakes in the Palmetto…
SCEMD to Host Military Installations Seminar
February 10, 2023 Representatives of resident military installations within South Carolina will meet on Thursday, February 16, with state and county emergency managers as part of a disaster preparedness seminar hosted by the S.C. Emergency Management Division. Participants will discuss best…