Charleston County Emergency Management

06/01/2026

We're excited to share the 2026 Charleston County Hurricane Guide, featuring everyone's favorite preparedness ambassador, Bessie the Coburg Cow! This year's guide is packed with valuable information to help you prepare before, during, and after a storm, including new sections on insurance coverage and accessibility-specific preparedness tips.

Hurricane season runs through November 30. Don't wait until a storm is approaching to make your plan, build your emergency kit, and know your evacuation zone.

📖 Download your free Hurricane Guide today at CharlestonCounty.gov/EM.

Bessie is prepared. Are you?

With the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially underway, we’re proud to announce the release of this year's Hurricane Guide—featuring Bessie the Coburg Cow—which contains valuable resources and tips on how best to prepare for and recover from a storm.

This year, we've added details on insurance coverage and accessibility-specific tips!

Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from now until to November 30. Don’t wait until a storm is developed and headed our way to get ready, now is the time!

Download your free Hurricane Guide today at Charlestoncounty.gov/EM for all the information you need to prepare a plan and supplies for yourself and family.

05/29/2026

🚨 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 🚨

The South Carolina Department of Social Services is seeking volunteers to assist during a training event for the state’s Emergency Repatriation Plan.

📍 Location: North Charleston Coliseum
📅 Date: July 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Volunteers must:
✔️ Be 18 years or older
✔️ Have a valid photo ID
✔️ Be available for the duration of the training
✔️ Sign a photo release and participation waiver

This is a great opportunity to support emergency preparedness efforts and help strengthen South Carolina’s response capabilities.

05/28/2026

🌪️🍔 Cheeseburger Watch vs. Cheeseburger Warning! 🍔🌪️

Order Up! Today’s focus for National Burger Day is all about understanding the difference between Watch vs. Warning!

WATCH: The grill’s fired up, the ingredients are ready, you could have a cheeseburger soon, but it’s not on your plate yet. Stay hungry.
WARNING: That burger is hot, melty, and in front of you. It’s time to take action (a.k.a. dig in! 🍽️).

🎶 “I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and French-fried potatoes…” 🎶 But when it comes to weather, knowing the difference between a watch and a warning is more important than the perfect toppings!

How do you get these alerts? What should you do if you get one? Find out here! 👉https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea?fbclid=IwY2xjawSCs7lleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaVHk0TUVaQlFEZzdRb2pzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmhqHPfZYDMJFUjS3_R8PKNvb-dLWnqjxFmFRFDxFpUWvU41Y3cQIHcTw37y_aem_cV1AVGrN3dXeHXFX-6nIaw

05/22/2026

🔥🌞 It’s Heat Safety Week, and today is Don’t Fry Day! 🌞🔥

We’re bringing the heat AND the protection! Meet your new summer MVP: SPF 50 sunscreen, your skin’s best defense against those sneaky UV rays. 🧴

Don’t let the sun turn you into a crispy crab, apply that sunscreen like it’s your daily essential! Reapply every two hours.

Remember:
💦 Drink plenty of water
🕶️ Shade is your friend
🧴 Sunscreen is a must!

Stay cool, stay safe, and let’s enjoy the sunshine without the burn!

05/21/2026

☀️ Extreme heat is here, take steps to stay safe!

✅ Stay indoors when you can and keep cool in air conditioning or shaded areas.
✅ Limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours (10 AM–6 PM).
✅ Drink plenty of water – stay ahead of dehydration.
✅ Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
✅ If you need to be outside, work or exercise early in the morning or later in the evening.

Small steps can prevent heat-related illness – stay safe, Charleston County!

05/20/2026

Charleston County Emergency Management joined regional partners in Berkeley County today for a collaborative workshop focused on strengthening preparedness across the Tri‑County area.

Agencies from across the region came together to review local hazards, discuss response capabilities, and identify the training, exercises, and resources needed to enhance coordination throughout the Lowcountry.

These joint efforts play an important role in shaping the updated Tri‑County Integrated Preparedness Plan and ensuring our communities remain ready and resilient.

05/20/2026

With these dangerously high temperatures, it’s important to look out for each other! Extreme heat can be just as dangerous as severe storms – especially for those most at risk.

Check in on:
✅ Older adults who may not have air conditioning
✅ Young children who can overheat quickly
✅ Pets – make sure they have shade and plenty of water
✅ Anyone working outdoors or living without AC

A quick phone call, text, or knock on the door can go a long way – it might even save a life. Let’s keep Charleston safe by taking care of our neighbors, friends, and family.

05/19/2026

☀️ Heat Safety Tips ☀️

As temperatures rise, make sure you’re taking steps to stay safe in the heat! 🌡️

💧 Drink plenty of water — even if you don’t feel thirsty
👕 Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
🌳 Spend time in air conditioning or in the shade when possible
🚗 Never leave children, older adults, or pets alone in a closed car — temperatures inside can rise dangerously fast

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and check on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay safe. ☀️

05/18/2026

Summer is on the way, and temperatures are starting to rise!

Hot and humid weather makes it harder for your body to stay cool, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. Stay Weather-Ready by recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and knowing how to respond quickly.

Stay Weather-Ready:
💧 Hydrate – Drink water often, even if you're not thirsty.
🌤️ Find shade or cool spaces during peak heat.
🧢 Dress light – Wear breathable, light-colored clothing.

Look out for yourself and others as the heat kicks in, stay safe and cool!

05/15/2026

Hurricane Preparedness Month is here, and now is the time to make sure you and your family are ready before a storm threatens our area.

The free South Carolina Hurricane Guide includes important information on:
✅ Emergency supply kits
✅ Evacuation zones and routes
✅ Flood safety
✅ Pet preparedness
✅ Insurance tips
✅ What to do before, during, and after a storm

Download the Hurricane Guide in English or Spanish today:
English: https://www.scemd.org/stay-informed/publications/hurricane-guide/
Spanish:https://www.scemd.org/media/2188/scemd-2026-hurrguide-spanish-single-page.pdf

Preparedness starts with you. Make a plan. Stay informed. Be ready.