2018 News Releases

South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Team Meeting April 23, 2018 South Carolina Opioid Emergency Response Team Meeting Agenda for 4/23/2018 Read More 2018 State Hazard Mitigation Plan March 26, 2018 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is requesting comments on the updates made to…

RETURN AND INITIAL RECOVERY INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE MATTHEW

October 10, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents affected by hurricane Matthew should continue monitoring local news sources and verified, official social media feeds for the most up to date information about communities and what to do when returning home. Returning Home At the request of local…

Team South Carolina Prepares For Tropical Depression Nine

September 27, 2025 Columbia, S.C. – Team South Carolina continues to monitor Tropical Depression Nine. The State Emergency Operations Center is activated and staffed by emergency personnel from multiple state agencies and emergency organizations. “The forecast for the incoming tropical depression…

Gov. Henry McMaster Declares State of Emergency to Prepare for Potential Impact from Hurricane Dorian

August 31, 2019 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency and urges South Carolinians to prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Dorian impacting the state. The executive order enables all state agencies to coordinate resources and…

SCEMD prepares residents returning home after Tropical Depression Florence

September 16, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Sunday, September 16, 2018) – Residents affected by Tropical Depression Florence should continue monitoring local news sources and verified, official social media feeds for the most up-to-date information about communities and what to do when returning home.…

Monitor Hurricane Isaias

July 31, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents in South Carolina should begin the necessary preparations for the possible effects of Hurricane Isaias. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring the storm, which forecasters say could affect the state beginning next week. “We’ve been…

2025 News Releases

SC Winter Weather Preparedness Week December 1, 2025 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed November 30 through December 6, 2025, as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in South Carolina. Read More About SC Winter Weather Preparedness Week SCEMD Issues Notice About Emergency Notification System…

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…

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…

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…

Social Media

Use these icons to find & follow SCEMD on your favorite social media sites You can stay connected with us through your favorite social media pages. SCEMD will be sending out emergency alerts, disaster preparedness tips and other useful information through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and others. You…

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…

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…

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…

Team SC Continues Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts, Tracking Hurricane Milton

October 7, 2024 As South Carolina continues its recovery efforts from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, state and local officials are closely monitoring Hurricane Milton, which is currently situated in the Gulf of Mexico. Current Situation: As of the latest advisory from the National Hurricane…

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…

Multiday Deluge from Debby Predicted

August 5, 2024 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring Tropical Storm Debby. Forecasters say it is expected to move very slowly over South Carolina in the next few days, leading to potentially historic heavy rainfall. Key local and state agencies have been notified to be…

Winter Weather Expected in South Carolina (1)

January 8, 2025 Residents in South Carolina should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety preparations. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict a wintry mix of rain, sleet, freezing rain and snow for portions of the state Friday into Saturday. “While it is too…

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,…