DHEC is closely monitoring developments with Hurricane Irma. We are working with Governor McMaster and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division in accordance with the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and the South Carolina Hurricane Plan.
This page will be updated regularly as information becomes available .
In response to Hurricane Irma, DHEC staff continues to actively assess and respond to ongoing public health and environmental needs across the state. For important information on steps you can take, please visit our hurricane preparedness page .
Visit a resource on this page
Environmental Affairs Hotlines
If you're experiencing any issues with flooding, below are some important resource numbers to be aware of.
- Dams Emergency Response: 803-898-1939
- Mold Hotline: 888-815-3509 or local: 803-898-9387
- Private Well Hotline: 888-761-5989
Don't Drown!
Hurricane Irma is still considered a dangerous storm for South Carolina, even with the current projected models showing reduced risk to the state. There is still a high risk of flooding and downed utility lines across the state.
Please follow the safety tips below when working around the state:
- Turn Around, Don't Drown! Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Furthermore, floodwaters hide hidden hazards such as missing manhole covers.
- Avoid contacting any flood waters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
- Assume that all power lines are live. Stay at least 10 feet from all downed lines.
- Before getting out of your vehicle in an impacted area always do a 360-scan looking for any possible hazards. Always wear a high visibility vest in high traffic areas and never turn your back on traffic.
Healthcare Services & Facilities:
DHEC will open its CARELINE toll free number to answer questions related to health department services interrupted due to Hurricane Irma and general questions concerning Special Medical Needs Shelters.
The CARELINE number is 1-800-868-0404 . The CARELINE will be open for calls through Friday, Sept. 15th.
Special Medical Needs Shelters
DHEC is providing Special Medical Needs Shelters to assist individuals whose needs exceed the capabilities of General Population Shelters.
The agency has shelters open in Anderson County and is currently sheltering 3 individuals. Shelters in Colleton, Hampton, Orangeburg and Sumter Counties closed September 12th.
DHEC is also managing the Special Medical Needs Triage line. The triage line has received approximately 116 calls from individuals referred from General Population Shelters and healthcare partners. The triage line evaluates the individuals' medical needs to determine the most appropriate location for safe sheltering.
Post-Disaster Regulated Health Care Facility Reopening Procedures
- Post-Disaster Hospital Reopening Procedures - (PDF)
- Post-Disaster CRCF Reopening Procedures - (PDF)
- Post-Disaster Nursing Home Reopening Procedures - (PDF)
- Post-Disaster Reopening Procedures for Other Health Care Facilities - (PDF)
For more information be sure to visit Post-Disaster Regulated Health Care Facility Reopening Procedures .
Latest Updates:
- Governor McMaster has signed Executive Order No. 2017-27 rescinding mandatory medical evacuations for Beaufort, Colleton, and Jasper. - (09/12/2017)
- Governor McMaster has signed Executive Order No. 2017-26 rescinding mandatory evacuations set forth in Executive Order 2017-25. - (09/12/2017)
- S.C. DHEC opens CARELINE to answer questions related to health department services interrupted due to Hurricane Irma. The CARELINE number is 1-800-868-0404 .
- CMS issues blanket 1135 Waivers approval for FL, GA and SC healthcare facilities.
Previous Updates:
- Governor McMaster has signed Executive Order No. 2017-24 partially rescinding mandatory medical evacuation. - (09/08/2017)
Areas still affected by medical evacuation of healthcare facilities:- Beaufort County (all Zones)
- Colleton County (Zones A, B)
- Jasper County (Zones A, B)
- Charleston
- Dorchester
- Berkeley
- Georgetown
- Horry
- Governor McMaster has signed Executive Order No. 2017-23 affecting evacuation of coastal healthcare facilities - (09/07/2017)
- DHEC: Dam, reservoir owners, operators should begin lowering water levels - (09/07/2017)
- Governor McMaster has signed Executive Order No. 2017-22 affecting regulated dam owners - (09/07/2017)
- DHEC has issued blanket emergency orders to local governments to allow property owners along the immediate beachfront to conduct minor renourishment, sand scraping or install sandbags to provide temporary protection to beachfront structures from wave uprush. Click here to view emergency orders. - (09/06/2017)
DHEC Offices:
DHEC follows the closings and delays of county offices. For example, if Beaufort County offices are closed, our health clinics and offices in the county will be closed as well. The latest information on delays and closures can be found at http://scemd.org/closings or on local media. We will update this information here as it becomes available.
Closures for Monday, September 11:
Lowcountry
- Allendale
- Bamberg
- Beaufort
- Berkeley
- Calhoun
- Charleston
- Colleton
- Dorchester
- Jasper
- Hampton
- Orangeburg
Pee Dee
- Clarendon
- Georgetown
- Kershaw
- Lee
- Sumter
- Williamsburg
Midlands
- Aiken
- Barnwell
- Edgefield
- Lexington
- Newberry
- Richland
- Saluda
Upstate
- Currently No Closures
Closures for Tuesday, September 12:
Lowcountry
- Allendale
- Beaufort - Closed indefinitely until after Irma
- Charleston
- Colleton
- Dorchester
- Jasper - Closed indefinitely until after Irma
Midlands
- Richland County: Until 10:00 am
Stay Connected
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