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SCEMD Moves to OPCON 2

September 26, 2024 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has elevated the state's readiness and response to Operating Condition Level Two, or OPCON 2, as Hurricane Helene approaches South Carolina. This decision follows Governor Henry McMaster's declaration of a State of Emergency,…

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…

State now at OPCON 1, President issues Emergency Declaration for South Carolina

October 3, 2015 The S.C. Emergency Management Division and partner state agencies have increased the state’s operating condition to level one. OPCON 1 is the highest of the five operational classifications and indicates that a disaster or emergency situation is in effect and full emergency…

Free Legal Help Available for South Carolina Storm Survivors

May 22, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. –Free legal aid is available for survivors of South Carolina’s April 13 storms. Assistance includes help with securing FEMA and other government benefits, insurance claims, home repair contracts, replacing wills and other important legal documents, consumer protection…

Evacuation Orders Lifted for Beaufort and Jasper Counties

October 9, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley on Sunday announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties as of 6:30 PM. At the request of local officials, evacuation orders for zones in Georgetown and…

Evacuation Orders Lifted For Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley And Colleton Counties

October 9, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley on Sunday announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley and Colleton counties as of 10:00 AM. At the request of local officials, evacuation orders…

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Darlington County

October 17, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The State of South Carolina and FEMA are opening a Disaster Recovery Center in Darlington (Darlington County) Wednesday, Oct. 17. Eight additional centers are open in the areas affected by Hurricane Florence. The centers offer in-person support to individuals and…

DANGEROUS CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA

October 8, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. ­- The S.C. Emergency Response Team strongly reminds all citizens coastal evacuation orders are still in effect. Hurricane Matthew began impacting the state this morning with hurricane and tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain and flooding along the coast and far…

SCEMD, S.C. Commerce Host First Emergency Seminar for Local Businesses

October 25, 2016 Columbia, S.C. (Tuesday, October 25) - The S.C. Emergency Management Division and the S.C. Department of Commerce will host the first Business Emergency Preparedness Seminar on Wednesday, October 26, at the Phillips Market Center in West Columbia. “The private sector plays a…

Taiwan Donates 92,000 Surgical Masks to the State of South Carolina

July 7, 2020 (WEST COLUMBIA, SC) - The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta (TECO) has donated 92,000 surgical masks to support South Carolina frontline medical personnel in the fight against COVID-19. South Carolina state government agencies worked together to ensure the delivery of the…

2021 Hurricane Preparedness Week Begins Sunday

May 26, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed May 30 through June 5 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. SCEMD, county emergency managers and the National Weather Service urge individuals, businesses and communities to begin preparations ahead of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane…

FEMA and South Carolina to Open Community Vaccination Center at Columbia Place Mall April 14

April 12, 2021 FEMA, partnering with the state of South Carolina, Richland County, and city of Columbia, is opening a Community Vaccination Center (CVC) site at the Columbia Place Mall. This site at 7201 Two Notch Road will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily beginning Wednesday, April 14. The…

SCEMD Tracking Tropical Storm Helene

September 24, 2024 Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is actively monitoring Tropical Storm Helene, which will soon be entering the Gulf of Mexico and could significantly impact the state in the coming days. As of Tuesday, forecasters believe Helene could bring heavy…

Beaufort, Fairfield Counties Eligible for FEMA Assistance in South Carolina

October 12, 2024 Homeowners and renters in Beaufort and Fairfield counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs,…

Four South Carolina Counties Approved for Individual Assistance Program

September 21, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. - At the request of Governor Henry McMaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has amended its disaster declaration for Hurricane Florence to make residents in Dillon, Horry, Marion and Marlboro counties eligible to apply for the Individual Assistance…

Florence and Darlington County Residents Eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

October 2, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – At the request of Governor Henry McMaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has amended its disaster declaration for Hurricane Florence to make residents in Florence and Darlington counties eligible to apply for the Individual Assistance program.…

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…

Business Operations

A large-scale disaster anywhere in the state could disrupt normal operations and affect employees of any business. Every business in South Carolina should have continuity and safety plans in place prior to a major incident. Preparing Your Business for COVID-19 Emergency Support Function (ESF) 24…

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…

Hurricane Season 2022

May 26, 2022 Governor Henry McMaster proclaimed May 29 through June 4 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National Weather Service along with all members of the State Emergency Response Team urge…