Responsibilities

Environmental Management Logo

Charleston County's Emergency Management Department (EMD) provides leadership and assistance in an effort to reduce the loss of life and property in Charleston County from a variety of man-made and natural hazards through an effective emergency management program based on the Four Phases of Emergency Management:

  • Mitigation - efforts to reduce hazards or their impacts
  • Preparedness - efforts to prepare for a likely hazard
  • Response - actions taken to respond to an emergency or disaster
  • Recovery - actions taken to restore the community to pre-disaster condition

Contact

Emergency Management

Office

8500 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy., N. Charleston, SC 29456

For All Emergencies DIAL 911

Phone:(843) 746-3800

Fax: (843) 746-3810

Office Hours: M – F | 8AM – 5PM

History

In 2010 the Emergency Preparedness Division and the Hazardous Materials Division were consolidated under EMD as a single department. The move centralized the coordination of emergency preparedness, homeland security and hazardous materials responsibilities. An EMD Duty Officer is on call 24 hours a day to provide assistance to fire, police and medical agencies that respond to emergencies throughout the county.

Functions and Services

Programs for the Public

The EMD conducts programs for the public, emergency responders and industry professionals to include Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) courses. EMD also coordinates training announcements from the S.C. Emergency Management Department and the Emergency Management Institute/U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Coordinates

The EMD coordinates the Local Emergency Planning Committee for hazardous materials planning and emergency response. EMD also coordinates the "Knox Box" program and receives Tier II Chemical Inventory Reports on behalf of the LEPC. All meetings are open to the public.

Developed and Maintain

The EMD developed and maintains the Charleston County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Re-Entry Plan. These plans provide the framework under which Charleston County prepares for, responds to and performs its emergency response functions.

Presentations

The EMD staff is available to make presentations to civic and business groups on emergency preparedness topics.

Request a Speaker
Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad Liason

The EMD is the county's liaison for the Charleston County Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Charleston County's Volunteer Rescue Squad comprises public-minded citizens who contribute funding and volunteer their time to train for and perform the following functions: vehicle extrications and fatality recovery; land and water search and rescue; boating, diving and drowning accident response and recovery; and medical first response for Charleston County Emergency Medical Services.

Planning and Preparing

The EMD is continually planning and preparing for hazards that could impact the citizens of Charleston County. Remember, no two disasters are the same, and the most effective way to protect you and your family is to be prepared. For more information on categorized threat types, please visit the Emergency Information page.

Resources, Plans & Procedures

CERT
Charleston County Hurricane Guide
Charleston County Hurricane Guide (Spanish)
Charleston County EMD App
EMD Speaker Request
Emergencies by Threat Type
Emergency Operations Plan
High Winds Bridge Procedures
NIMS/ICS Information
Re-Entry Plan
Shelters

Training Registration & Schedule

The Charleston County Emergency Management Department provides a wide variety of training opportunities applicable to all partners and stakeholders. The full schedule and registration is available via SCEMDLMS.org, or by clicking the below link.

SCEMD Logo
SC Emergency Management Division Training Class Registration

Contact

Emergency Management Specialist - Training & Exercises

Melissa Allen

Phone: (843) 746-3803

Email: MAllen@CharlestonCounty.org