Welcome To SCEMD

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, a division of the Military Department, is the coordinating agency responsible for the statewide emergency management program.  SCEMD’s mission is to develop, coordinate, and lead the state emergency management program, enabling effective preparation for, response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters in order to save lives, reduce human suffering and minimize property loss.  South Carolina is threatened by many natural and technological hazards. The threat posed by these hazards is both immediate (e.g., hazardous chemical spill, hurricane, tornado) and long-term (e.g., drought, chronic chemical release). These hazards have the potential to disrupt day-to-day activities, cause extensive property damage, and create mass casualties. Historically, the greatest risk is from natural hazards (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, floods, earthquakes).  Disasters and emergency situations can happen anytime and anywhere. When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond, so it is important that you and your family are prepared. A hurricane, winter storm, earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off utility services for days and lead to evacuations or confine your family to your home. Take time now to understand the types of emergencies that may occur in your community, develop an emergency plan and assemble an emergency supplies kit - helping to keep you, and your family safe.

NEWS RELEASE: Severe Weather Awareness Week - March 4-10

COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 1, 2012) — Severe Weather Awareness Week for 2012 will be observed March 4 - 10 in South Carolina. 

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service  jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in South Carolina and people need to take proper safety precautions.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service are promoting awareness of procedures that help keep you safe during tornadoes.

A highlight of the week will be the annual statewide tornado drill.  The State Superintendent of Education is encouraging schools statewide to participate in the drill.  South Carolina has received a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission to use the Tornado Warning product on NOAA tone-alert weather radio when the drill is conducted.  During the drill, the National Weather Service will use a real-event code, TOR.  The “TOR” code will activate tone-alert weather radios that are set to receive tornado warnings, and those radios will broadcast the exercise message.

The drill will be conducted Tuesday, March 6, at 9 a.m. with a backup date of Thursday, March 8   Public schools, state and local Emergency Management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in this annual event.  The purpose of the drill is to test communication systems, safety procedures, mitigation processes, etc.

For further information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, contact your county emergency management agency, the State Emergency Management Division or your nearest National Weather Service office.

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EM Sections

• Mitigation
• Preparedness
• Response
• Recovery

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