Georgetown County Emergency Management

September may have been National Preparedness Month, but preparedness in Georgetown County doesn’t begin or end with a month on the calendar. This year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” reminds us that readiness is something we build together.

Throughout September, GCEMD worked across our community to strengthen preparedness through education, partnerships, planning, and coordination.

🎒In partnership with Black River United Way, we conducted a Jr. Emergency Management Academy to fifth graders at McDonald Elementary and Sampit Elementary, helping the next generation learn how to recognize hazards, make good decisions, and prepare their families.

🏠We talked all-hazards preparedness with patrons at the Andrews Library and joined the Georgetown County Bureau of Aging Services for a Storm Preparedness Expo at Howard Gym & Auditorium.

🤝We shared preparedness tips at community events with Georgetown County Parks & Recreation’s GOAT Herd at Black River Trail Days at the Maritime Time Museum and the Andrews Recreation Center.

But preparedness isn’t only public outreach.
Behind the scenes, GCEMD continued (and continues!) working with community and response partners that will have to come together when Georgetown County faces its next emergency. GCEMD hosted and coordinated a Black River Water Trail planning meeting with Black River State Park, Open Space Institute, Winyah Rivers Alliance, and local response partners to discuss emergency planning and response along the water trail. GCEMD staff participated in South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s initial planning meeting for the 2027 State Full-Scale Exercise, helping prepare for tomorrow’s challenges before they arrive. We attended Georgetown County School Districts monthly First Responders Meeting. These monthly meetings brings together local response and support agencies together—not simply to exchange information, but to build the relationships and coordination we will depend on during an incident. That is an important part of emergency management!

Sometimes preparedness looks like a fifth grader learning what belongs in a go-kit. Sometimes it is a community member learning how to receive an emergency alert. And sometimes it is responders and partner agencies sitting around a table working through a problem before the emergency happens. Different activities. Same purpose:

Build relationships. Build capability. Build a more prepared Georgetown County.

National Preparedness Month may be over, but preparedness never stops!

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC is tracking a strong thunderstorm across northeastern Georgetown County through 5:30 PM today, Saturday, September 19. The storm is moving southwest at 25 mph and could produce wind gusts up to 40 mph, half-inch hail, and torrential rainfall, with localized flooding possible. If you’re outdoors, consider moving inside, and never drive through flooded roadways. Stay weather aware.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington, NC has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for Coastal Georgetown County from 6 AM Tuesday through Tuesday evening, September 15. A strong north-to-south longshore current and a moderate risk of rip currents are expected, which could make swimming conditions dangerous and sweep swimmers into hazardous areas. Use caution in or near the water and stay weather aware!

Friday, September 11, 2026: The National Weather Service Wilmington is tracking strong thunderstorms impacting western Georgetown County through 2:45 PM. Wind gusts up to 40 mph, half-inch hail, frequent lightning and torrential rainfall are possible. Areas that may be impacted include Andrews, Rhems, Sampit, Lambert and Indiantown.

If outdoors, seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. Localized flooding is possible, and never drive through flooded roadways.

Thursday, September 10, 2026: The National Weather Service Wilmington has a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Coastal Georgetown County from 7 PM until 10 PM this evening. Minor coastal flooding is also possible along low-lying roads, tidal waterways and vulnerable beach causeways.

Use caution in flood-prone areas. Never drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

September 10 marks the climatological peak of Atlantic hurricane season, but peak season is not a finish line.

So far, the 2026 Atlantic season has been relatively quiet. But a quiet season does not mean a safe season, and it only takes one storm affecting Georgetown County to make it a significant season for us.

September is also National Preparedness Month, making this a good time to check the basics before we need them:

* Know your evacuation zone and where you would go.
* Review your family communication and evacuation plan.
* Check and replenish your emergency supplies.
* Make sure you have multiple ways to receive official warnings.
* Check on neighbors, family members, and others who may need additional help preparing.

Hurricane season continues through November 30, and history reminds us that significant storms can occur well after September 10.

Enjoy the quiet days, but use them to prepare.

Visit https://hurricane.sc for more South Carolina hurricane preparedness resources.

Be informed. Be prepared. Be ready!

Wednesday, September 9, 2026: The National Weather Service Wilmington has a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Coastal Georgetown County from 6 PM until 9 PM this evening. Minor coastal flooding is also possible along low-lying roads, tidal waterways and vulnerable beach causeways.

Use caution in flood-prone areas. Never drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026: The National Weather Service Wilmington has a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect for Coastal Georgetown County until 8 PM this evening. Minor coastal flooding is also possible along low-lying roads, tidal waterways and vulnerable beach causeways.

Use caution in flood-prone areas. Never drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

⚠️The National Weather Service Wilmington has issued a High Rip Current Risk for Coastal Georgetown County on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 6 AM through Tuesday evening.

Dangerous rip currents are expected and can sweep even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Anyone visiting the beach Tuesday should use extra caution! ⚠️