Laurens County Emergency Management

10/15/2026

It is almost time to DROP, COVER and HOLD ON! Laurens County is joining millions of people around the world at 10:15 a.m. today for the world’s largest earthquake drill.
Take a few minutes to practice now so you’ll be ready to act quickly when the ground starts shakin’!
Are you ready to ShakeOut?

10/13/2026

We're taking cover this Thursday, October 15th!

Earthquakes can happen anytime, anywhere. The best time to prepare for an earthquake is before it happens.

10/12/2026

From South Carolina Emergency Management Division:

NEWS RELEASE: South Carolina to ShakeOut for Earthquake Preparedness Week
Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed October 11–17, 2026, as Earthquake Preparedness Week in South Carolina. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and members of the State Emergency Response Team are encouraging residents to take time this week to learn more about the history of earthquakes in South Carolina and how to best prepare for them.
During the week, SCEMD will participate in the Great Southeast ShakeOut, a regional earthquake safety drill scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 10:15 a.m. More than 1 million people across eight states and Washington, D.C., are expected to participate. The Great Southeast ShakeOut is part of an international campaign in which participants practice how to stay safe during an earthquake by following three key steps: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- DROP where you are, onto your hands and knees;
- COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand as you crawl for shelter under a nearby table or desk;
- HOLD ON to your shelter with one hand until the shaking stops (remain on your knees and cover your head and neck with your other arm and hand).
- NOTE: People who have difficulty getting around, or cannot get back up again without help, can practice earthquake safety in many ways.
Schools, businesses, organizations, government agencies, communities, and households are all encouraged to participate. Registration on the Great Southeast ShakeOut site is an important part of this event. This event is open to everyone in South Carolina. To register, go to www.shakeout.org/southeast.
So far in 2026, more than a dozen low-magnitude earthquakes have been recorded in South Carolina. According to geologists at the College of Charleston, the state typically experiences between 10 and 20 earthquakes each year.
The South Carolina Department of Insurance urges residents to consider earthquake insurance, as standard homeowners policies typically don’t cover earthquake damage. Coverage can be added to your current policy or purchased separately. To get help finding earthquake insurance, contact the Office of Consumer Services at 803-737-6180.
The official South Carolina Earthquake Guide and Earthquake.sc website contains checklists and tips on how to prepare for earthquakes.
The SC Emergency Manager mobile app includes an earthquake map and allows users to sign up for alerts when seismic activity occurs. The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Read more here: https://www.scemd.org/.../south-carolina-to-shakeout-for.../

10/10/2026

10/10/2026

From South Carolina Department of Public Safety

Heavy rain and storm conditions can make roadways hazardous in seconds.

If you must drive through heavy rain, remember to slow down, increase your following distance, and remember - if your wipers are on, your headlights must be on too.

Heavy rain and storm conditions can make roadways hazardous in seconds.

If you must drive through heavy rain, remember to slow down, increase your following distance, and remember - if your wipers are on, your headlights must be on too.

10/09/2026

🌬️ Prepare for Moderate to Strong Winds!

Sustained winds of 15–25 mph, with gusts of 25-35 mph, can move loose outdoor items and create hazardous conditions. Today is the last chance to prepare before the winds arrive!

✅ Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, trash cans, and decorations (we've seen all the cool Halloween decorations out there!)
✅ Trim or remove loose branches near your home when safe to do so.
✅ Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the appropriate utility.
✅ Use caution when driving, especially in high-profile vehicles.
✅ Stay informed by monitoring trusted weather sources.

A little preparation can help keep you, your family, and your property safe!

10/07/2026

Is your source for weather information reliable?
The National Weather Service reports that in South Carolina, potential impacts from Tropical Storm Isaias include heavy rainfall and localized flooding, which could begin as early as late Friday and continue through the weekend.
Keep in mind that social media can be flooded with rumors, speculation and inaccurate forecasts. For information you can trust, turn to the National Weather Service and other reliable local and national sources.

09/30/2026

We wrapped up National Preparedness Month by coming together with Duke Energy employees, American Red Cross staff and volunteers, and fellow first responders for a Preparedness Build-A-Kit Event! ❤️

Together, we helped build 1,000 emergency preparedness kits that will be distributed across the American Red Cross Upstate SC footprint.

A big thank-you to the Duke Energy Foundation for making this important effort possible and to everyone who helped strengthen community resilience! 🧰 🤝

What a great day to be on the Laurens County team! 💫

09/28/2026

What Does Emergency Preparedness Mean to You?

Emergency preparedness looks different for everyone. In our latest video, county employees share their personal perspectives on two important questions:

🔹 What does emergency preparedness mean to me?
🔹 What is one thing I have in my emergency kit?

From having a plan to keeping essential supplies on hand, small steps can make a big difference when an emergency occurs.

Watch the video and hear what our county employees have to say, and then ask yourself:

What does emergency preparedness mean to me, and what is one essential item in my emergency kit?

Take time today to prepare. Know your hazards. Make a plan. Build a kit. Stay informed.