News and Announcements

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

Recognizing the economic impacts to our area resulting from emergencies and disasters, Horry County Council has taken action to implement additional protections for the business community as part of the County’s emergency management, response and recovery. With the Governor’s order declaring a State of Emergency on March 13, 2020, certain provisions dealing with the filing of fee returns took immediate effect.

These measures include:

• An extension of deadlines on all filings during the emergency and for a period thereafter
• Non assessment of late penalties and fees during these times

In addition, at the request of the Horry County Treasurer, the County adopted additional measures to assist businesses to include: 

• Waiving e-check fees to offer a no-cost payment option for business license and hospitality fees

Horry County Council Chairman Johnny Gardner said, “We know this is an incredibly difficult time for our local business community. We will continue to work with them to mitigate the economic impacts of this event.” 

Angie Jones, Horry County Treasurer said, “We understand many businesses have been required to close and that makes it difficult or impossible to keep up with our normal deadlines. If any business owners have questions or concerns, we encourage them to call our office—we are standing by and ready to help.”

The Horry County Business License and Hospitality Fee Office can be reached at 843-915-5620. While County facilities remain closed to the public, staff in these offices are still working and available to answer questions or address concerns.