SBA Approves Gov. Henry McMaster's Request for Disaster Assistance
March 27, 2024 Following Governor Henry McMaster's March 20 request , the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that South Carolina's businesses and residents affected by the January 9 tornadoes are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans. The declaration covers…
2017 Severe Weather & Flood Safety Week
March 8, 2017 South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2017 will be observed March 5 – 11. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service, and the South Carolina Broadcasters Association jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe storms,…
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…
South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week
February 28, 2014 South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2017 will be observed March 5 – 11. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service, and the South Carolina Broadcasters Association jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe…
South Carolina Returns to Normal Operations
January 30, 2014 Columbia, S.C. (Thursday, January 30) – The State of South Carolina starts to return to normal as the S.C. Emergency Management Division and the agencies of the State Emergency Response Team scale back operations relating to the severe winter storm that began Tuesday, January 28.…
Federal Assistance Approved for State of South Carolina and 11 Counties Following Hurricane Dorian
September 30, 2019 COLUMBIA, S.C . – In response to Governor Henry McMaster’s request, President Donald Trump approved Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in 11 counties affected by Hurricane Dorian. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program helps…
S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 2-8, 2025
February 24, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed March 2-8, 2025, as South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the National Weather Service, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are jointly…
May 28, 2015 Governor Henry McMaster will proclaim May 28-June 3 to be 2017 South Carolina Hurricane Awareness Week. The S.C. Emergency Management Division, agencies of the State Emergency Response Team and county emergency managers will be engaged in many activities throughout the week to…
State/FEMA Disaster Centers to Close Temporarily Due to Hurricane Michael
October 9, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – With Hurricane Michael threatening to produce dangerous conditions across South Carolina, State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will close temporarily due to poor weather conditions. DRCs located in Chesterfield, Dillon, Georgetown, Horry, Marion and Marlboro…
Senior P.R.E.P. Program Kickoff
September 25, 2023 When an emergency impacts South Carolina, older adults are among the most vulnerable. Taking precautions ahead of time can greatly benefit seniors in vulnerable situations. The Senior P.R.E.P. (Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness) program, created by the South…
Work that makes a difference! The South Carolina Emergency Management Division seeks exceptional men and women to join our team and help the agency to meet our important mission of protecting lives and property. Visit the South Carolina Careers website for information on state employment…
SCEMD Hosts Full-Scale Exercise to Prepare for Pipeline Disruption During Cold Snap
March 14, 2025 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) hosted a full-scale exercise this week, bringing together members of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team (SERT) and local partners from across the state, as well federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and…
Governor Henry McMaster Secures FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for Upstate Fires
March 24, 2025 Governor Henry McMaster today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved South Carolina’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to support efforts to contain the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge Fire in…
Disaster Recovery Centers are open in affected counties to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Florence. Additional centers will be opening soon in other areas. Representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business…
The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is updated annually by SCEMD in collaboration with local and state partners of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team. All information contained in the Guide is valid at the time of publication each year, but is subject to change based on actual storm…
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…
Survivors Who Don’t Agree with FEMA Decision Have a Right to Appeal
October 24, 2018 All applicants for FEMA recovery assistance have the right to appeal if they disagree with FEMA’s determination. The first step is for the survivor to read their entire FEMA determination letter carefully. This letter will provide information about the types of assistance FEMA has…
Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Aiken, Anderson Counties
October 14, 2024 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Aiken and Anderson counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Aiken County Nancy Carson Library 135 Edgefield Road North Augusta, SC 29841 Open Oct. 14-17 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Anderson County …
Disaster Recovery Center Open in Pickens County
October 14, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center is open in Pickens County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Pickens County Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library 304 Biltmore Road Easley, SC 29640 Open Oct. 15-19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. This location…
Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County
October 16, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will be open in Laurens County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Laurens County Laurens County Public Library 1017 W. Main St. Laurens, SC 29360 Open Oct. 16-19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. This location joins the…