News and Announcements

As of 2 a.m. on August 4, 2020, the Horry County Emergency Operations Center will close following Hurricane Isaias and the county will return to OPCON 3, normal daily operations. The emergency phone bank will close at 2 a.m. today as well. 

Horry County Government offices will resume normal operations at 10 a.m. today, Tuesday, August 4, 2020. 

Horry County operates on three OPCON levels: 

OPCON THREE- Normal Daily Operations

Agencies plan, train, coordinate and exercise as needed. Incidents are monitored by the county warning point and county emergency management. 

OPCON TWO - Enhanced Awareness

A disaster or emergency is likely to affect the county. Emergency operations plans are implemented. The County Emergency Operations Center is partially activated if necessary. 

OPCON ONE - Full Alert 

A disaster or emergency is imminent or occurring. The County Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. Emergency response personnel are activated. 

Horry County Council has declared a localized state of emergency to adopt emergency ordinances to meet public emergencies affecting life, health, safety or the property of the people in our area. The declaration will remain in effect for sixty (60) days unless sooner terminated by resolution by County Council. 

Click here to review the ordinance.

In conjunction, the Horry County Emergency Management Department has moved to OPCON 2 (Level 2 Operation Condition) meaning the county is now operating in a heightened state of awareness with emergency plans beginning to be implemented. County officials have begun discussions with South Carolina Emergency Management, coastal communities including local municipalities, and will continue to monitor the situation closely. 

The Horry County Emergency Operations Center is not currently activated, however, Horry County Emergency Management will continue to keep the public aware of changes in the forecast and appropriate action will be taken as necessary. Should the Emergency Operations Center activate, the Emergency Phone Bank will also activate at that time.

In anticipation of possible effects on Horry County from the tropical system, Horry Emergency Management wants to remind all citizens that waiting for a watch or warning is waiting too long! Begin preparation now by:

• Surveying your property to mitigate potential flooding, such as making sure storm drains and gutters are clear of debris. 
• Having family hurricane plans in place.
• Ensuring family emergency/hurricane kits are ready; including items like water, batteries, flashlights, etc. 
• Continually monitoring reputable weather information sources such as local media or the National Hurricane Center for the most up to date hurricane information.
• Keeping vehicles fueled up and serviced. 
• Being sure that you Know Your Zone! Go to Horry County’s website at http://www.horrycounty.org/Departments/EmergencyManagement/Hurricanes/KnowYourZone to find your zone.
• Knowing where you will evacuate if asked to.
• Making plans for pets.

Additional hurricane information can be found on Horry County’s website at www.horrycounty.org.

Horry County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horrycountyemergencymanagementdepartment

Horry County Emergency Management Twitter: https://twitter.com/HorryEMD

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) warns users to remain vigilant for malicious cyber activity targeting Hurricane Dorian disaster victims and potential donors. Phishing emails commonly appear after major natural disasters and often contain links or attachments that direct users to malicious websites.

Users should exercise caution in handling any email with a hurricane-related subject line, attachment, or hyperlink. In addition, users should be wary of social media pleas, texts, or door-to-door solicitations relating to severe weather events.

To avoid becoming victims of malicious activity, review the following FTC and CISA resources and take preventative measures:

• Staying Alert to Disaster-related Scams
• Before Giving to a Charity
• Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites
• Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks

And remember, always think before you click!

HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATE

As of 6:00 p.m. on September 6, 2019, the Horry County Emergency Operations Center will close following Hurricane Dorian and the county will return to OPCON 3, normal daily operations. The phone bank will close at 6:00 p.m. today as well.

Other items of interest:

• The Governor’s evacuation order for Zone A has been lifted and reentry is underway.
• Shelters will close at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
• Horry County Government will resume normal operations on Saturday, September 7, 2019.
• Coast RTA will resume normal operations beginning Saturday, September 7, 2019.

Horry County operates on new OPCON levels

OPCON THREE - Normal Daily Operations

Agencies plan, train, coordinate and exercise as needed. Incidents are monitored by the county warning point and county emergency management.

OPCON TWO - Enhanced Awareness

A disaster or emergency is likely to affect the county. Emergency operations plans are implemented. The County Emergency Operations Center is partially activated if necessary.

OPCON ONE - Full Alert

A disaster or emergency is imminent or occurring. The County Emergency Operations Center is fully activated. Emergency response personnel are activated

HURRICANE DORIAN UPDATE: 

Governor Henry McMaster has lifted the evacuation order for all residents in Zone A in Horry County effective at 10:00 a.m. today, Friday, September 6.

While the weather conditions have improved in Horry County, motorists should be cautious of fallen trees, downed power lines, and standing water in and around roadways. Limited power outages continue to affect the area, and returning citizens may experience outages.