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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…
SCEMD Hosts Full-Scale Exercise to Prepare for Pipeline Disruption During Cold Snap
March 14, 2025 The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) hosted a full-scale exercise this week, bringing together members of the South Carolina Emergency Response Team (SERT) and local partners from across the state, as well federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and…
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…
The South Carolina Hurricane Guide is updated annually by SCEMD in collaboration with local and state partners of the S.C. Emergency Response Team. All information contained in the Guide is valid at the time of publishing each year, but is subject to change depending on actual storm conditions.…
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…
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…
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are free notifications delivered to your mobile device as part of a public safety system provided by Authorized Senders. The alerts are designed to inform you of imminent threats to safety or missing persons alerts in your area (e.g., AMBER Alerts). To receive…
Update on Team SC Response and Recovery After Helene
October 1, 2024 As cleanup efforts remain in full effect and utility crews work diligently to restore power and deliver essential resources to the areas hit the hardest, state agencies are asking residents to be patient. “I know these are trying times for so many of our South Carolina families as…
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…
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…
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…
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…
