Winter Weather Preparedness Week
December 4, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed the week of December 4 through December 10, 2016, as South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
S.C. Residents Have Two Weeks to Apply for Federal Disaster Assistance
November 29, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, November 29) – The last day for Hurricane Matthew survivors to register for Federal disaster assistance is December 13, 2016.
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Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Charleston And Jasper Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
November 9, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Disaster recovery centers are now open in North Charleston and Ridgeland to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Charleston and Jasper County centers will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice.
Register Now for Free FEMA/FLASH Charleston QuakeSmart Workshop
November 3, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Thursday, November 3) – The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), FEMA, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), South Carolina Department of Insurance, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and their partners are now accepting registrations for the QuakeSmart “Earthquake” disaster preparedness workshop
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Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Beaufort And Colleton Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
November 2, 2016
A disaster recovery center is now open in Walterboro to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew, the Colleton County center will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice
Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Berkeley And Georgetown Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
November 1, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Disaster recovery centers are now open in Georgetown and St. Stephen to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Berkeley and Georgetown County centers will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice.
Help for Renters
November 1, 2016
With so much attention given to businesses and homeowners, survivors who are renters may think they are not eligible for disaster assistance even though they suffered losses from the storms and floods spawned by Hurricane Matthew. But they are.
Gov. Nikki Haley To Host Team South Carolina Lowcountry Day
October 31, 2016
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 residents impacted by the storm from Jasper, Beaufort, Colleton and Hampton counties and will be held from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Jasper County Farmer's Market.
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Disaster Recovery Center To Open In Horry County To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
October 27, 2016
A disaster recovery center will open tomorrow, October 28, in Myrtle Beach to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Horry County center will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice
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Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Florence And Marion Counties To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
October 26, 2016
Disaster recovery centers are now open in Gresham and Lake City to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Florence County and Marion County centers will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice.
Berkeley, Charleston And Chesterfield Counties Eligible For FEMA Individual Assistance
October 26, 2016
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved three additional counties for Individual Assistance, allowing survivors who sustained losses to apply for aid in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance include: Berkeley, Charleston, and Chesterfield.
SCEMD, S.C. Commerce Host First Emergency Seminar for Local Businesses
October 25, 2016
The S.C. Emergency Management Division and the S.C. Department of Commerce will host the first Business Emergency Preparedness Seminar on Wednesday, October 26, at the Phillips Market Center in West Columbia.
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Gov. Nikki Haley To Host Team South Carolina Pee Dee Day
October 21, 2016
Governor Nikki Haley will visit Marion on Friday, October 28, for a Team South Carolina Hurricane Matthew relief event. Team South Carolina Pee Dee Day will serve residents impacted by the storm from Darlington, Dillon, Florence and Marion counties and will be held from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Marion County Administrative Building.
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Disaster Recovery Center Opens In Marion County To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
October 21, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – A disaster recovery center will open tomorrow, Saturday, October 22, in Mullins to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Marion County center will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice.
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Disaster Recovery Centers Open In Orangeburg County To Help Hurricane Matthew Survivors
October 20, 2016
Two disaster recovery centers are open in Orangeburg and Holly Hill to help residents with damages and losses from Hurricane Matthew. The Orangeburg county centers will be open Monday through Saturday until further notice.
Public And Individual Assistance For Storm Damage, Response Costs Approved For Additional Counties
October 20, 2016
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved four additional counties for Individual Assistance, allowing survivors who sustained losses to apply for aid in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance include: Clarendon, Calhoun, Horry and Marlboro.
FEMA Approves Reimbursement of Hurricane Matthew Infrastructure Costs for 18 Counties, State Agencies
October 19, 2016
South Carolina state agencies, local governments and non-profit organizations in 18 counties are now eligible through FEMA to recoup costs associated with infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Matthew. The FEMA Public Assistance Program will provide a partial reimbursement of costs for damages to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, and parks and recreational facilities in the following counties: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Berkeley, Colleton, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Lee, Marion, Orangeburg, Sumter and Williamsburg counties.
SNAP Recipients in Areas Severely Impacted by Hurricane Matthew to Receive Automatic Replacement of Benefits
October 19, 2016
SNAP recipients who were residing in the following counties at the time of Hurricane Matthew will automatically receive a replacement of a portion of their benefits and do not need to go to the DSS office to request replacement benefits.
South Carolina to #ShakeOut for Earthquake Awareness Week
October 18, 2016
Governor Nikki Haley has proclaimed Earthquake Awareness Week for 2016 be observed October 16-22 in South Carolina. The S.C. Emergency Management Division encourages everyone to take this opportunity to learn about our state’s seismic fault system and how best to prepare for earthquakes.
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Public And Individual Assistance For Storm Damage, Response Costs Approved For Additional Counties (1)
October 17, 2016
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved fifteen additional counties for Individual Assistance, allowing survivors who sustained losses to apply for aid in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. Counties approved for FEMA Individual Assistance include: Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, Lee, Sumter and Williamsburg.
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 Matthew recovery efforts.
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Marion and Orangeburg Counties Eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance
October 15, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C.– Residents in Marion and Orangeburg counties who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew are now eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program.
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Hurricane Matthew Update
October 14, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Friday, October 14)– The South Carolina Emergency Response Team remains fully dedicated to ongoing relief and recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane Matthew and flooding in the Pee Dee region.
DHEC warns of floodwater dangers
October 14, 2016
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.
SCDNR: Avoid Displaced Wildlife
October 14, 2016
Residents in areas affected by Hurricane Matthew and flooding in the Pee Dee should be cautious of wildlife that have moved to high ground.
Call 211 if You Need Help Recovering from Hurricane Matthew
October 13, 2016
South Carolina residents continuing to recover from Hurricane Matthew should call 2-1-1 for any assistance if their needs for food, clothing and shelter are not being met. Callers will be connected to local relief supplies where available.
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President Declares Disaster for State of South Carolina and 13 Counties
October 11, 2016
In response to Governor Nikki Haley’s request, President Barack Obama declared a major disaster exists in the State of South Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in 13 counties most severely affected by Hurricane Matthew.
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S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles deploys mobile units to areas affected by Hurricane Matthew
October 11, 2016
In an effort to better serve citizens affected by Hurricane Matthew and subsequent flooding, the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be operating limited offices in Lowcountry, Pee Dee, and Grand Strand counties. These openings will occur regardless of county-government status.
Residents Should Ask to See Identification of Hurricane Matthew Relief Workers
October 10, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Residents in affected counties are encouraged to be mindful of possible scams associated with the recovery efforts of hurricane Matthew. Thousands of disaster workers will be coming into the state from all over the country. People affected by Matthew should take a few steps to stay protected during recovery:
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RETURN AND INITIAL RECOVERY INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE MATTHEW
October 10, 2016
Residents affected by hurricane Matthew should continue monitoring local news sources and verified, official social media feeds for the most up to date information about communities and what to do when returning home.
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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 Sunday, and there are no effective evacuation orders remaining.
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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 Horry counties remain in effect as local law enforcement and officials continue to assess areas for potential dangers. Evacuation orders for Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley and Colleton counties have previously been lifted and were effective as of 10:00 AM.
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Evacuation Orders Lifted For Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley And Colleton Counties
October 9, 2016
In coordination with local officials, Governor Nikki Haley on Sunday announced that evacuation orders have been lifted for all residents in Charleston, Dorchester, Berkeley and Colleton counties as of 10:00 AM
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Beware of Scams in the Wake of Hurricane Matthew
October 8, 2016
People affected by Hurricane Matthew should be aware of potential scams that could come in the form of emails, phone calls, text messages, and others. Scams of this kind are often times used against individuals in areas that have recently been affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Matthew.
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Be Aware of Safety and Health Dangers
October 8, 2016
Columbia, S.C. – Residents should be aware of potential dangers from Hurricane Matthew as county emergency managers have reported downed power lines, fallen trees, and flooded and washed out roads in the Lowcountry, Midlands and Pee Dee regions of South Carolina.
DANGEROUS CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT SOUTH CAROLINA
October 8, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The S.C. Emergency Response Team strongly reminds all citizens coastal evacuation orders are still in effect. Hurricane Matthew began impacting the state this morning with hurricane and tropical storm-force winds, heavy rain and flooding along the coast and far inland, and forecasters say hazardous conditions will continue to affect evacuated areas for at least the next 12 hours.
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Helpline for Shelter Locations
October 7, 2016
Columbia, S.C. – Evacuees seeking refuge from Hurricane Matthew should call 1-866-246-0133 to be directed to the nearest open emergency shelter anywhere in the state. The state’s public information phone system is operational 24 hours a day until South Carolina is no longer in danger.
Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation Of Additional Areas In Jasper and Colleton Counties, Zones B
October 6, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. - As Hurricane Matthew continues to threaten the southeastern United States, Governor Nikki Haley today ordered an evacuation of additional coastal areas in Jasper and Colleton, South Carolina.
Gov. Nikki Haley Announces Evacuation of Georgetown & Horry Areas
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.
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All SC Clam and Oyster Harvesting Areas to Close at Noon Friday
October 5, 2016
Columbia, S.C. (Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 7:30 p.m.) - All South Carolina shellfish beds will be closed at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 in advance of Hurricane Matthew. This precautionary action is being taken because of the likelihood of the occurrence of heavy rainfall and storm water runoff as a result of the storm.
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Dam, reservoir owners, operators should begin lowering water levels
October 5, 2016
Columbia, S.C. (Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 7:15 p.m.)-Owners and operators of reservoirs in areas potentially impacted by rain and winds from Hurricane Matthew should check their dams and take appropriate steps to safely lower the water levels today and through the next several days in preparation for the storm, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
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Emergency Shelters Now Open
October 5, 2016
Columbia, S.C. (Wednesday, October 5, 2016)– The South Carolina Response Team today announced the opening of shelters across the state for residents and visitors who are evacuating from coastal areas as Hurricane Matthew approaches. Shelters began opening on Wednesday, October 5, and as of 5 PM there are 32 shelters open.
Governor Nikki Haley Urges Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Matthew
October 4, 2016
Governor Nikki Haley today issued an executive order declaring a State of Emergency and asked residents to prepare for a potential evacuation of the South Carolina coast in advance of any impact from Hurricane Matthew.
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South Carolina Should Prepare for Hurricane Matthew
October 2, 2016
The S.C. Emergency Management Division has begun initial preparations for Hurricane Matthew, currently a category four hurricane that could affect the East Coast U.S. in the coming days. Based on the storm’s projected strength and uncertain movement over the next week, SCEMD has recommended that members of South Carolina’s Emergency Response Team begin reviewing plans and notifying response staff.
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Rain, Flash Flooding Possible with T.S. Julia
September 14, 2016
South Carolina Emergency Management recommends that people pay close attention to weather associated with Tropical Storm Julia. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center predict that T.S. Julia could produce four to seven inches of rain, with heavier rainfall amounts possible locally, and flash flooding in many parts of the state beginning today. SCEMD, county emergency managers and state agencies are watching the latest forecasts and planning as necessary.
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Emergency Managers Monitor Tropical Storm Hermine
September 2, 2016
The strong winds and continued rainfall across the majority of the state have resulted in numerous closures and delays. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center will continue to provide response assistance until Hermine or its effects are no longer a threat to South Carolina.
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National Preparedness Day: Know Your Flood Risk
April 28, 2016
As part of National Preparedness Day on April 30, the S.C. Emergency Management Division and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources encourage everyone in South Carolina to take steps that reduce the risks of severe flooding. While many parts of the state are still recovering from the severe flooding of October 2015, spring and summer months typically produce heavy rains and the conditions for severe and flash flooding. Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, according to the National Weather Service.
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Long-term aid for S.C. flood survivors
April 1, 2016
Hearts & Hands Disaster Recovery will be providing long-term disaster case management services throughout the state of South Carolina. HHDR will assist flood survivors in the 24 disaster declared counties with access to long term recovery resources.
SCEMD Urges Severe Weather Precautions
February 23, 2016
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Tuesday, February 23, 2016, 4 p.m.) - The South Carolina Emergency Management Division urges everyone to stay alert for severe weather and possible tornadoes beginning tonight and into tomorrow.
Winter Storm, January, 2016
January 22, 2016
The South Carolina Management Division continues to monitor the winter weather that is blanketing the eastern United States. Presently, Upstate and northern Midlands counties are experiencing various forms of precipitation to include rain, sleet and snow.