State Lowers Emergency Status, Recovery Operations Expand (1)

October 12, 2015

The South Carolina Emergency Response Team is transitioning to the state’s emergency operational status to level 3. OPCON 3 is the third lowest of five operational conditions and allows state agencies to continue actively monitoring potential effects from the historic flooding, while supporting local governments and residents in ongoing recovery efforts. Now heading into the 13th day of 24-hour operations, the state Emergency Operations Center remains activated. While the immediate emergency subsides, the S.C. Emergency Management Division along with state and federal partners increasingly focus on disaster recovery efforts. The American Red Cross reports 308 people are staying in 10 shelters tonight. More than 200 roads and nearly 100 bridges remain closed as S.C. Department of Transportation teams continue with inspections and repairs. Earlier today SCDOT announced that I-95 southbound reopened to through traffic. Northbound I-95 traffic continues to be routed through Columbia from I-26 to I-20. For the latest information on state bridge and road closings go to scdot.org. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is offering no-cost tetanus vaccinations for South Carolinians affected by flooding at state health department locations, with mobile clinics in Florence, Georgetown, Lexington, Richland and Williamsburg counties. For a complete list of vaccination clinics and information on scheduling an appointment go to scdhec.gov. Nineteen counties received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to include direct financial help for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the flooding. People with flood losses should register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. FEMA and the State of South Carolina have established Disaster Recovery Centers in several counties, with plans to open several more throughout the state. Survivors who have been affected by the flood can visit the nearest DRC in their area to register for disaster assistance, ask questions about an open application and meet with multiple agencies offering aid. For a complete list of DRCs and more resources for flood survivors go to scemd.org.

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October 2015 Flooding Incident

October 10, 2015

All information about SC-DR-4241, Heavy Rains and Severe Flooding.

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Health and Safety Important in Clean-up Following Flood

October 10, 2015

As people start cleaning up the mess left behind by severe flooding, they need to take added steps to protect their own health and safety.

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DHEC Offers Free Tetanus Vaccinations for Flood-Affected South Carolinians

October 9, 2015

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reminds all storm-affected residents that a tetanus vaccination is recommended.

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WATER AVAILABLE FOR RESIDENTS WITHOUT SERVICE

October 9, 2015

The following is the list of points of water distribution (POD) for Richland County and the City of Columbia, S.C. The PODs will be open starting today, October 6, 2015, and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until the drinking water emergency is over:

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Beware of #SCFlood Disaster Scams

October 8, 2015

State and federal recovery officials urge South Carolinians affected by the ongoing severe storms and floods to watch for and report any suspicious activity or potential fraud. After a disaster, scam artists may pose as government officials, aid workers, charitable organizations or insurance company employees. Ask for identification and don’t be afraid to hang up on cold callers. -When possible, contact government agencies using information posted on their websites or in other official sources. -Don’t sign anything you don’t understand or contracts with blank spaces. -Don’t give out credit card of bank information. -FEMA does not have “approved” contractors; beware of contractors who say they are affiliated with FEMA. For additional help, contact the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs’ ID Theft Unit for more tips on dealing with identify theft and scams at 800-922-1594 or www.consumer.sc.gov.

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Statewide Response Continuing As Flooding Persists

October 4, 2015

Significant rainfall across South Carolina throughout the weekend has resulted in numerous road closures and delays caused by fast–moving floodwaters.

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CAUTION URGED AROUND LOCAL DAMS

October 4, 2015

The S.C. Emergency Response Team continues to caution residents of potential dangers of rising waters

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Statewide Flooding Incident Update

October 3, 2015

Significant rainfall has continued across South Carolina throughout the day and forecasters expect severe weather conditions for the next several days.

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State now at OPCON 1, President issues Emergency Declaration for South Carolina

October 3, 2015

The S.C. Emergency Management Division and partner state agencies have increased the state’s operating condition to level one.

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DHEC warning concerning floodwater dangers

October 3, 2015

South Carolinas are cautioned about wading or playing in floodwaters resulting from the heavy rainfall in the state.

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SCEMD Monitors Hurricane Joaquin, Urges Everyone to Review Plans

September 30, 2015

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is paying close attention to Hurricane Joaquin, and as a result of the storm’s projected movement, key agencies in South Carolina government have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises.

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SCEMD Hosts Military Installations Seminar

September 17, 2015

Representatives of resident military installations within South Carolina are meeting with state and county emergency managers on today to discuss how federal military installations and local governments can be mutually supportive during emergencies and disasters.

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Tropical Storm Erika

August 28, 2015

All SCEMD news releases about Tropical Storm Erika, beginning August 27, 2015.

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SCEMD Conducts Evacuations Needs Survey

August 20, 2015

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will be conducting a telephone survey to better understand the needs of coastal residents who would need assistance during a large-scale emergency evacuation

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Extreme Heat Safety (1)

August 4, 2015

Columbia, S.C. - Summer is what South Carolina is known for. With all the fun in the sun to be had, it's also when the potential increases for heat-related injuries. Stay safe with these tips.

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2015 Hurricane Awareness Week

May 28, 2015

Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed that South Carolina Hurricane Awareness Week for 2015 will be observed May 31 – June 7

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SCEMD Monitors Subtropical Storm Ana

May 8, 2015

The first named storm of 2015 has formed and will affect South Carolina this weekend. The National Hurricane Center has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for portions of the South Carolina coast.

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2015 Severe Weather Awareness Week

March 5, 2015

Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed that South Carolina Severe Weather Awareness Week for 2015 will be observed March 8 – 14

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Governor Declares State of Emergency

February 25, 2015

Governor Nikki Haley has declared a State of Emergency to mobilize additional state resources should they been needed in response to the impending hazardous weather

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South Carolina Should Prepare for Freezing Temps

January 6, 2015

SCEMD encourages everyone in the state to be prepared for below freezing conditions that are expected beginning Wednesday...

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