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…

SCEMD Monitors Potential Tropical Cyclone

August 1, 2017 SCEMD Monitors Potential Tropical Cyclone COLUMBIA, S.C. (Monday, August 28, 11 a.m.) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring a tropical storm system that could affect parts of the state’s coast. As a result of the storm’s projected movement up the east…

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,…

S.C. launches new site for business reentry certification

August 29, 2018 Columbia, S.C. – Businesses in South Carolina now have a new automated online tool to register for post-disaster reentry following evacuations for large-scale emergencies. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division launched the new site in collaboration with South Carolina…

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…

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…

Governor Henry McMaster Declares New State of Emergency, Lifts Restrictions on Bowling Alleys, Retail Capacity Restraints

June 12, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2020-40, which declares a new state of emergency, allows bowling alleys to open immediately, and lifts restrictions on the occupancy of retail establishments. “South Carolinians know what they can do to keep…

Tracking Helene: SCEMD Supports Statewide Response to Storm Damage

September 27, 2024 Columbia, S.C. – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is supporting a state-wide response to the impacts to South Carolina from Hurricane Helene. SCEMD urges all South Carolinians to take immediate safety precautions, and to stay off the roadways if they do not have…

Equipos de asistencia para sobrevivientes de desastres están trabajando en Carolina del Sur

September 26, 2018 COLUMBIA, S.C. - Los equipos de Asistencia de Sobrevivientes de Desastres de FEMA están trabajando en las áreas de Carolina del Sur afectadas por el huracán Florence. Los sobrevivientes con pérdidas no aseguradas o subaseguradas no deben esperar a que llegue uno de estos equipos…

Hurricane Helene Assistance for Survivors

November 5, 2024 President Biden declared a major disaster for South Carolina on September 29, 2024, based on the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Counties declared for Individual Assistance for Hurricane Helene: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester,…

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…

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…

South Carolina Returns to Normal Operations

January 30, 2014 Columbia, S.C. (Thursday, January 30) – The State of South Carolina starts to return to normal as the S.C. Emergency Management Division and the agencies of the State Emergency Response Team scale back operations relating to the severe winter storm that began Tuesday, January 28.…

SCEMD monitors Hurricane Michael

October 8, 2018 South Carolina residents should monitor Hurricane Michael, which could affect many parts of the state after making landfall along the Gulf Coast. Forecasters with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center believe South Carolina could experience periods of heavy…

FEMA Reaches Out to South Carolina Survivors with Access and Functional Needs

May 20, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. —The State of South Carolina and FEMA are committed to ensuring that services and assistance are available for survivors of the April 13 storms who have access and functional needs. It’s important for survivors to notify FEMA when they register for federal disaster help…

Free Legal Help Available for South Carolina Storm Survivors

May 22, 2020 COLUMBIA, S.C. –Free legal aid is available for survivors of South Carolina’s April 13 storms. Assistance includes help with securing FEMA and other government benefits, insurance claims, home repair contracts, replacing wills and other important legal documents, consumer protection…

SCEMD Monitors Tropical Storm Nicole

November 9, 2022 South Carolina residents should monitor Tropical Storm Nicole, which could affect many parts of the state after making landfall along east coast of Florida. Forecasters with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center believe South Carolina could experience…

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…

Evacuation Orders Lifted for Beaufort and Jasper Counties

October 9, 2016 COLUMBIA, S.C. – In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley on Sunday announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Beaufort and Jasper counties as of 6:30 PM. At the request of local officials, evacuation orders for zones in Georgetown and…