Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency for South Carolina

August 4, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2024-16 , declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Debby, and asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and to begin taking proper precautions. The executive order activates…

Gov. Henry McMaster Declares State of Emergency for South Carolina

September 25, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2024-24 , declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for the potential effects of Hurricane Helene, and asks South Carolinians to monitor local forecasts and begin taking proper precautions. The governor's order activates…

Floods

In South Carolina, several variations of flood hazards occur due to the different effects of severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, seasonal rains and other weather-related conditions. The State's low-lying topography, combined with its humid subtropical climate, makes it highly vulnerable to inland or…

Dangerous Storm Forecasted for South Carolina

February 10, 2014 Columbia, S.C. (Monday, February 10, 3:30 P.M.) - The South Carolina Emergency Management Division asks residents to prepare themselves and their homes for winter weather that is expected to be dangerous. The National Weather Service says the forecast for this week calls for snow…

Tropical Storm Erika

August 28, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Tropical Storm Erika. As a result of the storm’s projected movement and quickly-changing forecasts, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises.…

Team South Carolina Supporting Recovery Efforts

September 30, 2024 Columbia, S.C. – Team South Carolina continues its response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene's impacts. State and local agencies are working closely together to restore power and ensure resources reach communities across the state. Utility crews are working around…

Helpline for Shelter Locations

October 7, 2016 Columbia, S.C. – Evacuees seeking refuge from Hurricane Matthew should call 1-866-246-0133 to be directed to the nearest open emergency shelter anywhere in the state. The state’s public information phone system is operational 24 hours a day until South Carolina is no longer in…

South Carolina Hurricane Awareness Week

May 29, 2014 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…

Disaster Recovery Center in Greenville County To Open on Friday

October 11, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will be opening in Greenville County at 8 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Center location: Greenville County Freetown Community Center 200 Alice Ave. Greenville, SC 29611 Hours of…

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…

The Great ShakeOut & Earthquake Preparedness Week

October 18, 2017 South Carolina to #ShakeOut for Earthquake Awareness Week Columbia, S.C. (Tuesday, October 18, 2016) - Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2016 be observed October 16-22 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to…

South Carolina to #ShakeOut for Earthquake Awareness Week

October 18, 2016 Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2016 be observed October 16-22 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to prepare for…

Team South Carolina Prepares for Hurricane Florence

September 12, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Response Team continues to track Hurricane Florence and remains fully dedicated to preparing for the storm's potential impact on South Carolina. Forecasters say that Florence is currently a Category 3 hurricane and has the capacity…

South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week

October 8, 2019 Columbia, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2019 be observed October 13-19 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best…

Preparing a Business

It’s important for businesses to plan and prepare for a hurricane or any emergency that could affect normal operations and employees. A large-scale disaster anywhere in the state could disrupt normal operations for any business, which is why it is important for every business to have continuity…

Gov. Henry McMaster, SCEMD Urge Storm Preparation for Tropical Storm Elsa

July 6, 2021 Residents should finalize their storm preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Elsa. Forecasters with the National Hurricane Center predict portions of South Carolina’s coast will experience tropical storm conditions beginning Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Forecasters expect gusty…

South Carolina to ShakeOut, Launch New Earthquake Prep Resource Next Week

October 13, 2022 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2022 be observed October 16-20 in South Carolina. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to…

South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week (3)

October 12, 2023 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2023 to be observed October 15-21 in South Carolina. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best…

South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week (4)

October 10, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed October 13-19, 2024, as Earthquake Preparedness Week in South Carolina. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to prepare for…

2020 News Releases

South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week November 24, 2020 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…