Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Aiken, Allendale, Greenwood, Newberry Counties
October 20, 2024 Disaster Recovery Centers will be open in Aiken, Allendale, Greenwood and Newberry counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Aiken County Aiken Technical College – Building B 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway Graniteville, SC 29829 Open…
S.C. Survivors Can Get Aid from State, Federal and Voluntary Agencies
November 16, 2018 Hurricane Florence survivors in South Carolina still have time to apply for federal disaster assistance. But you may need help beyond what FEMA can offer. Assistance may be available from other federal, state and volunteer organizations. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA The S.C. Emergency…
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…
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…
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…
The Great ShakeOut & Earthquake Preparedness Week October 18, 2017 South Carolina Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2017 will be October 15-21. A highlight of the week will be the Great Southeast ShakeOUT earthquake safety drill. You can sign up for the Great ShakeOUT now. Read More About The Great…
Gov. McMaster Declares State of Emergency Ahead of Winter Storm
January 21, 2026 Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2026-02 declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for a winter storm system expected to impact the state beginning Saturday and continuing through the weekend, possibly into Monday. The governor's order activates the South…
Gov. Henry McMaster to Host Chesterfield Team South Carolina Day
October 2, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster will visit Cheraw on Thursday, October 4, for Chesterfield Team South Carolina Day – a relief event that will serve as a one-stop for Chesterfield County residents who have been affected by Hurricane Florence. The Chesterfield Team South…
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…
Winter Weather Hotline Activated
January 25, 2026 South Carolina residents with questions about the winter weather response can call the state’s toll-free hotline. Operators with the State’s Public Information Phone System are available 24 hours a day for as long as needed. If you have questions about the state’s winter weather…
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…
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs in South Carolina educate volunteers on disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their communities. CERT training equips South Carolinians with the skills needed to care for themselves and assist their neighbors until emergency personnel…
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…
Long-term aid for S.C. flood survivors
April 1, 2016 Hearts & Hands Disaster Recovery will be providing long-term disaster case management services throughout the state of South Carolina. HHDR will assist flood survivors in the 24 disaster declared counties with access to long term recovery resources. The disaster-impacted counties…