News and Announcements

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.

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

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.

Conway, South Carolina (April 29, 2019)-- Effective April 30, Horry County Government has lifted the outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Horry County. We ask that you continue to follow all Burning Regulations set forth by the South Carolina Forestry Commission. All open burning in Horry County requires you to contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 1-800-986-5404, before the burn is started.

We remind our citizens that even in the time when the burn ban is not in place, we ask for their consideration and due diligence when actively involved in open burning. Always remember to lean on the side of safety, and do not burn in windy or dry conditions.

Effective immediately, Horry County Government has lifted the outdoor burning ban for the unincorporated areas of Horry County.  We ask that you continue to follow all Burning Regulations set forth by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, which can be located at http://www.state.sc.us/forest/fire.htm. All open burning in Horry County requires you to contact the South Carolina Forestry Commission at 1-800-986-5404, before the burn is started.

We remind our citizens that where the burn ban is not in place, we ask their consideration and due diligence when actively involved in open burning. Always remember to lean on the side of safety, and do not burn in windy or dry conditions.

 Due to Weather Conditions, Horry County Government has initiated an outdoor burning ban effective immediately for the unincorporated areas of Horry County. This ban will remain in place until further notice. The ban has been placed due to the extreme fire danger as a result of the low relative humidity and windy conditions. Any and all outdoor burning, included permitted burns, are strictly prohibited during the ban, and those involved in any open burning would be in violation of the law.

For more information on the status of the burn ban, visit horrycounty.org. 

Conway, South Carolina – Thursday, March 14, 2019: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) intends to perform a controlled burn in the vicinity of International Drive on Monday, March 18, 2019. The controlled burn will reduce the accumulation of flammable fuels on the forest floor in accordance with SCDNR’s planned land management objectives.

This controlled burn will require a temporary road closure of International Drive, from SC Highway 90 to Ocean Bay Elementary School, for all traffic. The closure is expected to go into effect after 8:00 AM on Monday morning and will reopen Monday night. Law Enforcement will be enforcing the road closure. Access to the Horry County Solid Waste Recycling Facility will remain open but only from SC Highway 90.

This schedule is subject to change and is based upon the most current weather forecast. Please plan your travel accordingly. Alternate routes include: US Highway 501 and SC Highway 22.