Emergency Alerts

Emergency Alerts

Residents may receive critical emergency alerts through several communication channels, including mobile devices, local radio and television stations.

Integrated Public Alert and Warning System

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) allows authorized federal, state and county officials to send emergency alerts through multiple channels from a single platform. This system helps officials quickly share important information, giving residents time to take protective action and helping save lives and protect property. Only authorized alerting authorities can issue alerts through IPAWS.

Wireless Emergency Alerts

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are one way IPAWS delivers critical information directly to compatible mobile devices. Alerts may be issued by authorized state and local public safety officials, the National Weather Service, the State Law Enforcement Division, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the president of the United States.

What to know about WEAs:

• Distinctive sound and vibration: WEAs look similar to text messages but use a unique tone and vibration pattern that repeats twice to get your attention.
• Brief, important information: Alerts are limited to 360 characters and include the type and time of the alert, recommended protective actions and the issuing agency.
• Designed for emergencies: WEAs can be delivered even when networks are congested and do not interrupt calls, texts or data sessions already in progress.
• You do not need to sign up to receive WEAs, and there is no charge for receiving them.

Emergency Alert System

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) allows state and local officials to share emergency alerts, information and instructions with the public through radio and television broadcasts. The system is used to communicate important information during emergencies and help residents take appropriate protective actions. IPAWS connects EAS with other alerting channels, allowing authorized officials to distribute emergency messages through multiple platforms, including broadcast media and mobile devices.

South Carolina EAS Coordination:

The South Carolina Broadcasters Association coordinates statewide EAS planning with local broadcasters and SCEMD.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) establishes technical standards, activation procedures and testing requirements for EAS participants.

NOTE: SCEMD and the state’s broadcasters do not control how cable television providers choose to broadcast Emergency Alert System messages over their networks. If you experience issues with emergency alerts through your cable service, please contact your cable TV provider directly for technical support.

NOAA Weather Radio

NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office based on your physical location. SCEMD recommends having a NOAA Weather Radio for your home and business. Remember to change the batteries of your NOAA Weather Radio and your smoke detectors at the same time.

• NWR broadcasts official warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• NWR also broadcasts alerts of non-weather emergencies such as national security or public safety threats through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.

South Carolina Weather Radio Information
NWS Greenville/Spartanburg
NWS Columbia
NWS Charleston
NWS Wilmington

CodeRED Notifications

SCEMD and county emergency management agencies use CodeRED, a subscription-based alerting service, to share important public safety information about local incidents that are not immediately life-threatening. CodeRED uses a database of landline phone numbers, along with registered mobile phone numbers and email addresses, to send alerts and updates to residents.
To sign up for CodeRED Alerts, click here.