Hurricane Guide

The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is updated annually by SCEMD in collaboration with local and state partners of the S.C. Emergency Response Team. All information contained in the Guide is valid at the time of publishing each year, but is subject to change depending on actual storm conditions.…

County Days

South Carolina state, federal, and nonprofit officials and representatives joined forces for Team South Carolina County Days. Hosted by Governor Henry McMaster and Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette, these events offered South Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene a one-stop opportunity to…

Gov. Henry McMaster Announces Opioid Emergency Response Plan

June 20, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced the South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Plan , which details strategy and guidance developed to support state and local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. The state Opioid Emergency Response Plan was developed as part…

Equipos de asistencia para sobrevivientes de desastres están trabajando en Carolina del Sur

September 26, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. - Los equipos de Asistencia de Sobrevivientes de Desastres de FEMA están trabajando en las áreas de Carolina del Sur afectadas por el huracán Florence. Los sobrevivientes con pérdidas no aseguradas o subaseguradas no deben esperar a que llegue uno de estos equipos…

SCEMD Moves to OPCON 2 Ahead of Winter Weather

January 30, 2026 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has moved to OPCON 2 ahead of the forecasted winter weather, reflecting a higher level of readiness among emergency response teams statewide. SCEMD officials are working closely with the South Carolina Emergency Response…

Dr. Bell: “Data shows that wearing face masks works”; Latest COVID-19 Update

August 12, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) released new data today that indicates local mask ordinances are helping to slow the spread of COVID-19. “This new data shows us what we already knew, wearing face masks works,” said Dr. Linda…

2015 News Releases

State Lowers Emergency Status, Recovery Operations Expand (1) October 12, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Response Team is transitioning to the state’s emergency operational status to level 3. OPCON 3 is the third lowest of five operational conditions and allows state agencies to continue…

RelyOnReal

Misinformation that seeks to minimize the severity of disasters and large-scale emergencies puts lives in danger. Disinformation is a form of misinformation that is deliberately deceptive and can be just as dangerous. Neither are opinions or personal points of view. You can help us eliminate both…

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…

SCEMD Monitors Hurricane Arthur

July 1, 2014 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to follow the latest information on Hurricane Arthur. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center have issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Horry and Georgetown Counties. The storm's direct impacts to the state are expected to…

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. The request for assistance from Kentucky came through the Emergency…

Hurricane Matthew Update

October 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, October 14)– The South Carolina Emergency Response Team remains fully dedicated to ongoing relief and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Matthew and flooding in the Pee Dee region. The state Emergency Operations Center is activated at Operating…

Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation Of Additional Areas In Jasper and Colleton Counties, Zones B

October 6, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. - As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of additional coastal areas in Jasper and Colleton, South Carolina. Residents and visitors in Zone B of Jasper and Colleton Counties should…

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…

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Union County

October 19, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will be open in Union County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Union County Union County Library 300 E. South St. Union, SC 29379 Open Oct. 20-22 , 8 a.m.-7 p.m. This location joins the centers previously…

Mobile App Privacy

PRIVACY POLICY Last updated January 01, 2024 This privacy notice for South Carolina Emergency Management Division (" we ," " us ," or " our "), describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and/or share (" process ") your information when you use our services (" Services "), such as when…

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…

Rain, Flash Flooding Possible with T.S. Julia

September 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, September 14, 2016) – South Carolina Emergency Management recommends that people pay close attention to weather associated with Tropical Storm Julia. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that T.S. Julia could produce…