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SCEMD Wins National Public Information Award

April 23, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Tuesday, April 23, 2013) – The National Association of Government Communicators awarded the South Carolina Emergency Management Division its prestigious 2013 Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Award. SCEMD received this national recognition for the South Carolina Earthquake…

South Carolina Tracking Hurricane Ian

September 26, 2022 South Carolina residents should continue to monitor Hurricane Ian as it approaches the southeast United States. As of Monday, forecasters believe Ian could bring tropical storm force winds, heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes to South Carolina at the end of the week. As a…

SCEMD Achieves National Reaccreditation (1)

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 disasters. SCEMD was first accredited in 2008…

S.C. Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week March 8-14, 2026

March 4, 2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster has designated March 8–14, 2026, as South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is partnering with the National Weather Service and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to…

Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation of Georgetown & Horry Areas

October 5, 2016 COLUMBIA,S.C. (Thursday, October 5, 2016) - As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of coastal areas in and around Horry and Georgetown, South Carolina. Residents and visitors in certain parts of…

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Cherokee, Saluda Counties

October 17, 2024 Two Disaster Recovery Centers will be open in Cherokee and Saluda counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Cherokee County East Gaffney Baptist Church 2308 Cherokee Ave. Gaffney, SC 29340 Open Oct. 17-20, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Saluda…

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…

Marion and Orangeburg Counties Eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

October 15, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents in Marion and Orangeburg counties who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew are now eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program. Survivors who sustained losses in these two designated counties can apply for federal…

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,…

Rain, Flash Flooding Possible with T.S. Julia

September 14, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, September 14, 2016) – South Carolina Emergency Management recommends that people pay close attention to weather associated with Tropical Storm Julia. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that T.S. Julia could produce…

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…

Statewide Flooding Incident Update

October 3, 2015 Significant rainfall has continued across South Carolina throughout the day and forecasters expect severe weather conditions for the next several days. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center is fully activated at Operating Condition 1 by state agencies of the State…

SCEMD Monitors Hurricane Joaquin, Urges Everyone to Review Plans

September 30, 2015 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Hurricane Joaquin, and as a result of the storm’s projected movement, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises. “There’s a lot of…

Tropical Storm Andrea Forms, Prompting Preps

June 6, 2013 COLUMBIA, S.C. (Thursday, June 6, 2013, 9:30 a.m.) – The first named storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season has formed and could potentially affect South Carolina. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center expect Tropical Storm Andrea to produce heavy rain and…

Evacuation Orders Lifted for Horry and Georgetown Counties Tomorrow at 9AM

September 15, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Henry McMaster today announced that evacuation orders for Horry and Georgetown counties will be lifted tomorrow morning, Sunday, September 16 at 9 AM. Earlier today, the governor lifted evacuation orders for all…

Local Wireless Emergency Alert Test on April 2

March 25, 2019 Residents within approximately ten miles of the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station should expect a Wireless Emergency Alert System test on their mobile devices on Tuesday, April 2 at 1 p.m. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will conduct this test as part of Dominion Energy’s…

What You Need to Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 13, 2020 Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency throughout the state to enhance the state's response to the COVID-19 virus' impact on the South Carolina. Executive orders issued by Governor Henry McMaster: 2020-10 Official (PDF) | Directing Additional Emergency Measures Due to…

Hurricane Ian Cleanup in South Carolina

October 3, 2022 Crews clearing roads of sand and debris are now reporting most areas are accessible to residents, although a few roads may still be closed for safety concerns. Anyone who experienced damage to their property due to Hurricane Ian should begin recovery and cleanup as soon as…

Tropical Storm Idalia Cleanup in South Carolina

August 31, 2023 Crews clearing roads of debris and sand from Tropical Storm Idalia are now reporting most areas are accessible to residents, although a few roads may still be closed for safety concerns. Anyone who experienced damage to their property due to the storm should begin recovery and…

New Hurricane Evacuation Zones Unveiled

May 8, 2024 As hurricane season approaches, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division announces new hurricane evacuation zones aimed at helping community preparedness and safety during hurricanes. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National…