SC · State guide

South Carolina emergency preparedness

FEMA's National Risk Index puts South Carolina's expected annual loss from natural hazards at about $3.0 billion, rated Relatively Moderate. The hazards with the largest expected losses are hurricanes, inland flooding and earthquakes.

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National Weather Service data, updated Oct 22, 2026, 7:46 AM ET. Not an official warning: follow your local NWS office. All US alerts →

South Carolina's biggest natural hazards

FEMA's expected annual loss for each hazard, in dollars a year, and FEMA's rating, from the National Risk Index (December 2025).

HurricaneRelatively High$1.2 billion a yearHow to prepare →

Inland floodingRelatively Moderate$785 million a yearHow to prepare →

EarthquakeRelatively Moderate$374 million a yearHow to prepare →

TornadoRelatively Moderate$202 million a yearHow to prepare →

Cold waveRelatively High$152 million a yearHow to prepare →

Coastal floodingRelatively High$57 million a yearHow to prepare →

Heat waveRelatively Moderate$54 million a yearHow to prepare →

Strong windRelatively Moderate$48 million a yearHow to prepare →

Get ready for hurricanes, inland flooding, earthquakes and tornadoes

HurricaneHurricane preparedness checklist: what to do before, during and after a stormGear: Generators · Water storage containers

Inland floodingFlood preparedness: flood watch vs warning, what to do and how flood insurance worksGear: Sump pump battery backups · Fireproof document safes

EarthquakeEarthquake preparedness: Drop, Cover and Hold On, and what to do afterGear: First aid kits · Fire extinguishers

TornadoTornado preparedness: watch vs warning, where to shelter and what to do afterGear: Weather radios

Official help in South Carolina

State emergency management: Emergency Management Division
Turn on Wireless Emergency Alerts on your phone and sign up for your county's local alerts. Make a family plan.
More South Carolina government services: USA.gov

Build a kit for your household

Ready.gov's checklist, sized to who lives with you, with extras for the hazards you face.

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Other states where hurricanes top the list

Florida Guam Louisiana Puerto Rico

Seasonal checklists for South Carolina

One calm email before the season's hazards arrive. No spam.

Sources (4)