Disaster Recovery Center Opening in Oconee County

October 22, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will open in Oconee County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Oconee County Bountyland Education Campus 100 Vocational Drive Seneca, SC 29672 Open Oct. 23-25, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. Additional Disaster Recovery…

Build Your Emergency Kit While Saving During South Carolina's Tax Free Weekend

July 13, 2026 Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina’s annual Tax Free Weekend begins Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 9, giving residents an opportunity to save money while preparing for emergencies. While many families use the tax free weekend to purchase school supplies and clothing,…

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…

South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week (2)

October 14, 2021 Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Earthquake Preparedness Week for 2021 be observed October 17-23 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to prepare for…

Public Assistance

The role of the South Carolina Recovery Program is to serve as a direct liaison between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and all applicants requesting federal disaster assistance. Our trained recovery staff will make every effort to effectively communicate, coordinate, collaborate,…

Governor Henry McMaster Secures FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant for Upstate Fires

March 24, 2025 Governor Henry McMaster today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved South Carolina’s request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) to support efforts to contain the Table Rock Fire in Pickens County and the Persimmon Ridge Fire in…

Disaster Recovery Centers

Disaster Recovery Centers are open in affected counties to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Florence. Additional centers will be opening soon in other areas. Representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business…

Hurricane Guide

The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is updated annually by SCEMD in collaboration with local and state partners of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team. All information contained in the Guide is valid at the time of publication each year, but is subject to change based on actual storm…

2015 Hurricane Awareness Week

May 28, 2015 Governor Henry McMaster will proclaim May 28-June 3 to be 2017 South Carolina Hurricane Awareness Week. The S.C. Emergency Management Division, agencies of the State Emergency Response Team and county emergency managers will be engaged in many activities throughout the week to…

State/FEMA Disaster Centers to Close Temporarily Due to Hurricane Michael

October 9, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. – With Hurricane Michael threatening to produce dangerous conditions across South Carolina, State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) will close temporarily due to poor weather conditions. DRCs located in Chesterfield, Dillon, Georgetown, Horry, Marion and Marlboro…

Senior P.R.E.P. Program Kickoff

September 25, 2023 When an emergency impacts South Carolina, older adults are among the most vulnerable. Taking precautions ahead of time can greatly benefit seniors in vulnerable situations. The Senior P.R.E.P. (Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness) program, created by the South…

Working with SCEMD

Work that makes a difference! The South Carolina Emergency Management Division seeks exceptional men and women to join our team and help the agency to meet our important mission of protecting lives and property. Visit the South Carolina Careers website for information on state employment…

Earthquakes

Many people are unaware of how common earthquakes are in South Carolina. Approximately 10 to 15 earthquakes are recorded annually in South Carolina with 3 to 5 of them felt or noticed by people. About 70 percent of South Carolina earthquakes are located in the Middleton Place-Summerville Seismic…

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…

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…

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Aiken, Anderson Counties

October 14, 2024 Disaster Recovery Centers are open in Aiken and Anderson counties to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Aiken County Nancy Carson Library 135 Edgefield Road North Augusta, SC 29841 Open Oct. 14-17 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Anderson County …

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Pickens County

October 14, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center is open in Pickens County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Pickens County Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library 304 Biltmore Road Easley, SC 29640 Open Oct. 15-19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. This location…

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Laurens County

October 16, 2024 A Disaster Recovery Center will be open in Laurens County to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. Laurens County Laurens County Public Library 1017 W. Main St. Laurens, SC 29360 Open Oct. 16-19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. This location joins the…