Columbia, South Carolina — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed August 2026 as Emergency Management Awareness Month in South Carolina, formally recognizing the emergency managers who work year‑round to protect lives, property, and communities across the state. The proclamation underscores that emergencies and disasters can strike without warning and highlights the extensive preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation work carried out by local, county, state, federal, nonprofit, and private‑sector partners.
Emergency managers serve as planners, coordinators, and communicators who develop emergency plans, coordinate critical resources, and support disaster response and long‑term recovery. The proclamation notes their commitment, compassion, and professionalism, emphasizing that their efforts have helped millions of South Carolinians recover, rebuild, and strengthen resilience in the face of adversity.
Earlier this year, Governor McMaster praised the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), calling its staff the “gold standard” among preparedness, response, and recovery professionals. He said “Team South Carolina” has repeatedly stood in the breach during hurricanes, severe storms, disasters, emergencies, and the COVID‑19 pandemic, instilling confidence through their competence and dedication.
SCEMD leads the state’s coordinated emergency management program and activates the State Emergency Response Team from the State Emergency Operations Center during emergencies. This unified structure brings together representatives from state agencies to support local governments and streamline statewide response operations.
SCEMD Director Kim Stenson highlighted the essential role of county emergency managers, describing them as central to the state’s emergency management mission. He noted their daily work to build partnerships, develop plans, and coordinate resources that help protect lives and strengthen communities before, during, and after disasters.
Throughout Emergency Management Awareness Month, residents are encouraged to recognize the work of emergency management professionals and take steps to prepare their own households. This includes reviewing emergency plans, updating disaster kits, and staying informed as South Carolina moves through the peak of hurricane season.
Information about county emergency managers
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