Governor McMaster Recognizes August as Emergency Management Awareness Month

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed August as Emergency Management Awareness Month in South Carolina, recognizing the dedicated professionals who work year-round to help keep communities safe before, during, and after disasters. 

Emergency managers serve as planners, coordinators, and communicators who work alongside local, state, federal, private sector, and nonprofit partners to prepare for emergencies, respond to disasters, and lead recovery efforts. 

In recognizing the work of emergency management professionals earlier this year, Governor McMaster said, "The men and women of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division are recognized by their peers and the federal government as the gold standard among preparedness, response and recovery professionals. And rightfully so. Time and time again, 'Team South Carolina' has stood in the breach when dangerous and deadly hurricanes, storms, disasters, emergencies, and even a pandemic, threaten our state, our property and the safety of our loved ones. They instill confidence and display competence in everything they do." 

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) leads the state's emergency management program by supporting partners in all phases of emergency management, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. During emergencies SCEMD coordinates the State Emergency Response Team from the State Emergency Operations Center, bringing together representatives from state agencies to provide a unified response. 

"Emergency management is a team effort, and our county emergency managers are at the heart of that mission," said SCEMD Director Kim Stenson. "They work every day to build strong partnerships, develop emergency plans, and coordinate critical resources before, during, and after disasters. Their dedication helps protect lives, strengthen communities, and ensure South Carolina is prepared for whatever challenges come our way." 

As part of Emergency Management Awareness Month, South Carolinians are encouraged to recognize the work of emergency management professionals while taking steps to prepare their own households for disasters. 

To find about information about your county emergency manager visit www.scemd.org/who-we-are/county-emergency-managers/.