State guide
Emergencies in South Carolina
Who runs emergency management in South Carolina, how warnings reach you and which hazards to plan for. In short, with links to the official sources.
Emergency number911Text 911 also works in many areas. If it does not, you get a bounce-back message.
State emergency managementSouth Carolina Emergency Management Division
Phone alertsWireless Emergency AlertsOn by default on most phones. Check that emergency and public safety alerts are switched on.
Weather warningsNational Weather ServiceType your ZIP code for local warnings.
How to get warned in South Carolina
- Keep Wireless Emergency Alerts on. They reach every compatible phone in the affected area, for extreme weather, evacuations and AMBER alerts. No sign-up is needed.
- Sign up for your county or city alerts. Most counties in South Carolina run their own opt-in text and email system, which sends more local messages than WEA (road closures, boil-water notices, shelter openings). Find yours through your county emergency management office or the state agency.
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio. It sounds an alarm for warnings in your county even at night and during power or cell outages. Pick a model with SAME coding so it only alerts for your area.
- Know the difference: a watch means conditions are right for a hazard, so get ready; a warning means it is happening or about to, so act now.
Main hazards in South Carolina
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Hurricanes
You usually get days of warning: use them to stock up and evacuate if told to.
Hurricanes and tornadoes → -
Tornadoes
At a warning, go straight to the lowest interior room without windows.
Hurricanes and tornadoes → -
Earthquakes
They strike without warning. Secure tall furniture and learn Drop, Cover and Hold On.
What to do in an earthquake →
The basics for every home in South Carolina
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Agency links checked in October 2026. Hazards listed are the main ones for the state as a whole; your county's hazard mitigation plan has the local picture. In an emergency, follow your local officials.