SCEMD attends SCEMA 2024 conference

February 26, 2024 Emergency managers throughout South Carolina came together in the Lowcountry last week for the annual South Carolina Emergency Management Association (SCEMA) conference. This event provides a platform for emergency managers to build strong relationships that can be relied upon to…

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…

S.C. Agencies, Residents Prepare for Hurricane Florence

September 9, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to monitor Hurricane Florence, which forecasters say could affect the East Coast as a powerful storm. The state Emergency Operations Center is operational, staffed by emergency personnel from various…

Prepare for Severe Weather Tuesday

January 8, 2024 South Carolina residents should prepare for severe weather expected to impact the state Tuesday. As of this morning, Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict widespread damaging winds and the possibility of tornados, heavy rains and flash flooding, with the most severe…

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…

Call 211 if You Need Help Recovering from Hurricane Matthew

October 13, 2016 South Carolina residents continuing to recover from Hurricane Matthew should call 2-1-1 for any assistance if their needs for food, clothing and shelter are not being met. Callers will be connected to local relief supplies where available. As recovery efforts begin, local…

Important Contacts

Public Information Phone System (PIPS) SCEMD's public information hotline 866-246-0133 SCDOT Contact SCDOT for the latest road conditions. 855-GO-SCDOT (855-467-2368) South Carolina Department of Insurance (803) 737-6160 South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) Contact 833-351-9990 to…

CAUTION URGED AROUND LOCAL DAMS

October 4, 2015 The S.C. Emergency Response Team continues to caution residents of potential dangers of rising waters, including those associated with neighborhood dams and flooding. The Department of Health and Environmental Control has been contacted by dam operators and made aware of several…

DHEC warning concerning floodwater dangers

October 3, 2015 South Carolinas are cautioned about wading or playing in floodwaters resulting from the heavy rainfall in the state. “We strongly warn residents to stay away from floodwaters and, to reduce the risk of infections and traumatic injuries including drowning, don’t swim, play or boat…

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…

2021 News Releases

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…

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…

Community help for COVID-19

April 14, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, April 14, 2020) – The South Carolina Emergency Response Team requests donations of greatly needed supplies to help emergency personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific needs include personal protective equipment such as double gloves, medical gowns,…

Prepare for Possible Winter Weather

January 13, 2022 Residents in the Upstate and Midlands regions of South Carolina should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety precautions ahead of potential winter weather this weekend. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict the possibility of a wintry mix of…

SCEMD releases official 2018 S.C. Hurricane Guide

Are you Prepared For a Hurricane? View Your Hurricane Guide Now View Updated Hurricane Evacuation Zones Click for Latest Disaster Information News South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Team Meeting South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Team Meeting Agenda for 4/23/2018 2018 State Hazard…

Register for the Business Preparedness Workshop

October 2, 2017 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will host AFTER MATTHEW: A Disaster Recovery Workshop for Coastal Businesses on Friday, January 26, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Providing businesses with information on how to prepare for and recover from…

Berkeley, Charleston And Chesterfield Counties Eligible For FEMA Individual Assistance

October 26, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved three 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: Berkeley,…

S.C. Hurricane Guide Available May 28, 2017

May 28, 2017 The official 2017 S.C. Hurricane Guide will be released via newspaper subscription and rack sales Thursday, May 25 , in the Georgetown County Chronicle and the South Strand News; Friday, May 26 , in the Georgetown Times; Sunday, May 28 , in The Beaufort Gazette, the Charleston Post…

October 2015 Flooding Incident

October 10, 2015 Incident Period: October 1-23, 2015 Storm related fatalities: 19 Displaced citizens: more than 20,000 Shelters: 32 (includes standby locations) 26 counties with shelters 941 citizens sheltered Emergency meals served: more than 2,000,000 Citizens without water: 40,000 Highway…

Certification

The South Carolina Certified Emergency Manager program was created to raise and maintain professional standards in emergency management and to certify achievement of that standard within the profession in South Carolina. The program was developed in a cooperation between the South Carolina…