Evacuation Orders Lifted for Horry, Georgetown Counties

October 10, 2016 In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley announced Monday that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Horry and Georgetown counties as of 8:00 AM. Orders for Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley, Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties were lifted…

Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Florence County

October 8, 2018 The State of South Carolina and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Florence County on Wednesday, Oct. 10. Disaster Recovery Centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in the counties included in the South Carolina major disaster declaration for…

Survivors Who Don’t Agree with FEMA Decision Have a Right to Appeal

October 24, 2018 All applicants for FEMA recovery assistance have the right to appeal if they disagree with FEMA’s determination. The first step is for the survivor to read their entire FEMA determination letter carefully. This letter will provide information about the types of assistance FEMA has…

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…

State Lowers Emergency Status, Recovery Operations Expand

October 16, 2016 South Carolina’s state Emergency Response Team is lowering its emergency status from Operating Condition Three to OPCON Four. The State Emergency Operations Center will continue operations as the SERT enters the 16th day of support to local governments and residents with Hurricane…

Below Freezing Temps to Continue Through Sunday

January 7, 2017 The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone in the state to be prepared for below freezing conditions that are expected to continue after this weekend’s winter storm. Residents should be prepared for extreme cold and hazardous conditions caused by ice. South…

South Carolina Should Prepare for Freezing Temps

January 6, 2015 The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone in the state to be prepared for below freezing conditions that are expected beginning Wednesday. Fortunately, forecasters with the National Weather Service do not expect precipitation such as rain or snow. The "Severe…

S.C. Agencies, Residents Prepare for Hurricane Florence

September 9, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division continues to monitor Hurricane Florence, which forecasters say could affect the East Coast as a powerful storm. The state Emergency Operations Center is operational, staffed by emergency personnel from various…

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…

Winter Weather Expected in South Carolina

December 7, 2018 Columbia, S.C. -Residents in the Upstate should monitor local weather conditions and continue winter safety preparations. Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict the possibility of a wintry mix of rain, sleet and snow for portions of the state. The S.C. Emergency…

Expect Below-Freezing Temperatures

January 21, 2022 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division encourages everyone in the state to be prepared for below freezing conditions during and after this weekend’s winter storm. South Carolinians unaccustomed to dealing with the life-threatening aspects of severe cold should remember…

Governor Declares State of Emergency (2)

August 29, 2023 Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency in advance of any potential impacts from Hurricane Idalia. The Governor’s State of Emergency declaration puts state emergency plans into effect, enabling agencies to better coordinate resources jointly and respond to…

Prepare for Severe Weather Tuesday

January 8, 2024 South Carolina residents should prepare for severe weather expected to impact the state Tuesday. As of this morning, Forecasters with the National Weather Service predict widespread damaging winds and the possibility of tornados, heavy rains and flash flooding, with the most severe…

2023 News Releases

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…

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…

Help for Individuals

Links and Information Assistance for Hurricane Helene Survivors Disaster Assistance Fact Sheets Apply For Disaster Assistance Find Disaster Assistance Other Recovery Help FEMA helpline South Carolina Hurricane Helene Housing Strategy In the aftermath of a disaster, it is our goal to help…

Latest Disaster

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…

Gov. Nikki Haley To Host Team South Carolina Lowcountry Day

October 31, 2016 State and federal officials, non-profits will offer residents disaster relief assistance COLUMBIA, S.C. –Governor Nikki Haley will visit Ridgeland on Wednesday, November 2, for a Team South Carolina Hurricane Matthew relief event. Team South Carolina Lowcountry Day will serve…

DHEC warns of floodwater dangers

October 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, October 14) – Pee Dee area residents, particularly those in hard-hit counties such as Marion, Marlboro, Dillon and Florence, should not wade or play in floodwaters resulting from Hurricane Matthew. “With rivers such as the Pee Dee, Little Pee Dee, Lumber,…

Be Aware of Safety and Health Dangers

October 8, 2016 Columbia, S.C. – Residents should be aware of potential dangers from Hurricane Matthew as county emergency managers have reported downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooded and washed out roads in the Lowcountry, Midlands and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina. As hazardous…