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…
South Carolina was affected by fourteen major disasters between 2014 to 2025. Below is a summary of the overall disaster impact for each event. Edisto Flooding 2024 In early November 2024, a non-tropical weather system caused major flooding in Orangeburg County, with 12-15 inches of rain falling…
Governor Declares State of Emergency
February 25, 2015 Governor Nikki Haley has declared a State of Emergency to mobilize additional state resources should they been needed in response to the impending hazardous weather. The Governor’s State of Emergency Executive Order activates the Emergency Operations Plan, directing 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…
September 10, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster, in coordination with local officials, has issued Executive Order 2018-29, which orders the evacuation of coastal South Carolina residents for their personal safety as Hurricane Florence approaches. Residents in all hurricane evacuation…
2020 Hurricane Season: Time, Space, People, Place
May 28, 2020 Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed May 31 through June 6 to be South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Week. Residents, businesses and communities in South Carolina should begin preparations for the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Advanced preparation and planning…
SBA Approves Gov. Henry McMaster’s Request for Disaster Assistance
April 20, 2022 Following Governor Henry McMaster’s April 15 request , the U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that South Carolina’s businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes on April 5-6 may apply for low interest disaster loans. To assist businesses and…
Team South Carolina Responds to Tropical Storm Debby
August 6, 2024 Team South Carolina continues to respond to Tropical Storm Debby's ongoing impacts on the state. The State Emergency Operations Center is fully operational and staffed by emergency personnel from multiple state agencies and emergency organizations 24 hours a day. As of 2 p.m. today,…
Team South Carolina Continues to Respond to Tropical Storm Debby
August 7, 2024 South Carolina's state agencies and local partners continue to respond to Tropical Storm Debby. As of 2 p.m. today, the storm, located 50 miles southeast of Charleston, is expected to continue to bring significant rainfall, gusty winds, and flooding to low-lying areas over the next…
Team South Carolina Responds to Helene
September 27, 2024 South Carolina's state agencies and local partners continue to respond to Helene. As of 2 p.m. today, the storm is located 125 miles south-southeast of Louisville, Kentucky, and is moving to the north-northwest at 28 mph. Moderate to major river flooding is forecasted for many…
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…
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.…
Governor Henry McMaster Requests Major Disaster Declaration Following Severe November Flooding December 13, 2024 Governor Henry McMaster today requested a Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to assist state and local recovery efforts following severe storms and heavy rainfall that caused…
Emergency Managers Monitor Tropical Storm Hermine
September 2, 2016 Columbia, SC – September 2, 2016, 5:15 p.m. - The strong winds and continued rainfall across the majority of the state have resulted in numerous closures and delays. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center will continue to provide response assistance until Hermine or its…
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…
State Agencies Urge Patience as Recovery Efforts Continue; Offer Guidance on Vetting Contractors
October 3, 2024 Cleanup operations are in full swing in the wake of Hurricane Helene, and while progress is being made, the road to full recovery will take time. Continued Efforts and Support South Carolina's state agencies and local partners report the following as of 2:00 p.m. today: The South…
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…
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…
Winter Weather Preparedness Week December 4, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed the week of December 4 through December 10, 2016, as South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week. Read More About Winter Weather Preparedness Week S.C. Residents Have Two Weeks to Apply for…
Wildfires can be attributed to many different causes, but most of them involve human carelessness. Escaped debris burns are the number one cause of wildfires in South Carolina, responsible for more wildfire ignitions than all other causes combined. Other leading causes include equipment use…