Columbia, South Carolina – Governor Henry McMaster has officially proclaimed March 3–9, 2024, as South Carolina extreme Weather and Flood Safety Week. The goal is to make people more aware of and prepared to face severe weather conditions. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), the National Weather Service (NWS), and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) are working together on this important project to teach people about how dangerous storms, tornadoes, and flash floods are in the state.
People to learn more about the dangers that come with severe weather and how to act
During the designated week, these groups will work to make people more aware of the dangers that severe weather can pose, such as the sudden destruction that storms and floods can cause. The campaign is planned to cover a wide range of topics every day. These include understanding the different types of severe weather, recognizing watches and warnings, ensuring effective communication, and learning important safety measures to lower risks during tornadoes and floods.
A national tornado drill takes place on Wednesday, March 6, at 9 a.m. This is a very important day of the week. This annual drill, which is put together with the help of the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, is very important for making sure that public schools, state and local emergency management, and other participating groups have effective and reliable communication systems, safety protocols, and disaster recovery plans. The National Weather Service will use the necessary weekly test code, RWT, to create a realistic scenario that will allow a full evaluation of the state’s readiness.
From Sunday to Saturday, each themed day is planned to cover a different aspect of severe weather and flood safety. These include understanding the different types of severe weather, adhering to watches and warnings, staying connected for updates, what to do in a tornado, recognizing the risks of flooding in South Carolina, stressing the life-saving phrase “Turn around don’t drown,” and home safety tips. At the end of the week, there will be a focus on storm and flood repair, including the importance of reviewing your insurance. This will give students a more complete understanding of weather-related safety.
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The proclamation by Governor McMaster and the efforts of SCEMD, NWS, and SCDNR highlight an important community effort to build a culture of preparation and resilience among South Carolinians.
By participating in South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, residents are encouraged to arm themselves with knowledge and skills that could save lives and minimize property damage in the face of nature’s unpredictability.
Additional information and resources
For further information on Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, contact your county emergency management director, SCEMD or your nearest National Weather Service office. Additional resources can be found online at scemd.org/prepare/ and https://www.weather.gov/chs/Scsevereweatherawarenessweek. The SC Emergency Manager App is also an effective tool to help individuals plan and prepare for emergencies. It is free to download in the App Store and Google Play.
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What to do during severe weather: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/thunderstorms/
Before, During and After a Tornado: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/tornadoes/
Flood Safety: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/floods/
