South Carolina's new personal emergency app, new SCEMD website

Residents in South Carolina now have a new mobile tool to help them be personally prepared for large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes. The S.C. Emergency Management Division recently unveiled the SC Emergency Manager, a smartphone app designed for users to build their own emergency plans, to keep track of supplies and to stay connected to loved ones. In addition, coastal residents can now “Know Your Zone” instantly using the maps feature as well as locate the nearest emergency shelters when they are open. The tools section features a flashlight, locator whistle and the ability to report damage to emergency officials. The SC Emergency Manager can function without the need of a data connection, which is useful when basic utilities are offline. SCEMD’s new mobile app is available in the Apple App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sc-emergency-manager/id1378105431?mt=8) and on Google Play for Android (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.scemd.app).

Along with the new mobile app, SCEMD has launched a brand new website. The newly redesigned scemd.org offers quick and easy access to essential emergency information to keep residents informed. It has a modern design, improved functionality and enhanced content focused on SCEMD’s mission to provide vital resources and information before, during and after an emergency. The redesigned website will provide a more engaging user experience and simplify navigation to help people quickly find the information they need. The site is fully optimized for mobile devices, compatible with today’s browsers and accessible without the need for Adobe® Flash to view it.

“Our message for this year’s hurricane season is simple: Have a plan. Make it Personal,” said Kim Stenson, Director of SCEMD. “We believe that these new tools will help people be more personally prepared during an emergency.”

Both the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and the new scemd.org will change into “Emergency Mode” when a major disaster, such as a hurricane, is threatening South Carolina. Crucial information for residents will take priority, and will be as easily accessible as possible through both tools.