COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 4, 2021) — Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed that South Carolina Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week for 2021 will be observed March 6-12.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the National Weather Service jointly sponsor the week to remind people that severe storms, tornadoes and flash floods are significant hazards in South Carolina and people need to take proper safety precautions.

SCEMD and the National Weather Service are promoting awareness of the hazards associated with severe weather, including tornadoes and floods, and the procedures that help keep people safe.

Each day next week, SCEMD will focus on a different topic related to severe weather and flood safety:

Sunday: Types of Severe Weather
Monday: Watches and Warnings
Tuesday: Staying Connected
Wednesday: What to do during a tornado
Thursday: Flooding in South Carolina
Friday: Turn around don’t drown, home safety tips
Saturday: Recovery from storms and flooding, insurance review

A highlight of the week will be the annual statewide tornado drill. Which is conducted in close coordination with the South Carolina Broadcasters Association. The State Superintendent of Education is encouraging schools statewide to participate. During the drill, the National Weather Service will use a real-event code, TOR. The “TOR” code will activate tone-alert weather radios that are set to receive tornado warnings, and those radios will broadcast the exercise message.

The drill will be conducted Wednesday, March 9, at 9 a.m. Public schools, state and local Emergency Management, the South Carolina Broadcasters Association, and others will participate in this annual event. The purpose of the drill is to test communication systems, safety procedures, mitigation processes, etc.

For further information on Severe Weather and Flood Safety Week, contact your county emergency management director, SCEMD or your nearest National Weather Service office. Additional resources can be found online at scemd.org/prepare/ and weather.gov/cae/SC_Severe_Weather_Preparedness_Week.html . The SC Emergency Manager App is also an effective tool to help individuals plan and prepare for emergencies. It is free to download in the App Store and Google Play.

What to do during severe weather: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/thunderstorms/

Before, During and After a Tornado: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/tornadoes/

Flood Safety: https://scemd.org/prepare/types-of-disasters/floods/