Governor Henry McMaster met with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, South Carolina Department of Transportation, South Carolina Department of Public Safety, and county emergency managers at the Dorchester County Emergency Operations Center on May 15 to coordinate preparations for the upcoming hurricane season.
The meeting aimed to ensure that state and local agencies are ready to respond to severe weather events. With hurricane season beginning June 1, officials stressed the importance of early planning and community readiness.
“South Carolina has faced disasters before, and time and again, our people have shown just how resilient they are. That resilience starts with preparation,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Team South Carolina works year-round with strong coordination between state and local leaders so that before hurricane season even begins, we are ready. By preparing now, we can ensure our counties are ready to respond when severe weather threatens our state.”
Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, said: “Every hurricane season presents different challenges, which is why early planning and communication are so important. These visits give state and local leaders the opportunity to review preparedness efforts and identify potential needs.”
Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis highlighted specific risks facing residents: “Dorchester County faces flooding, storm surge, and other dangerous hazards during hurricane season. It’s vital that our residents begin preparing their families today to avoid disastrous situations in the future. We encourage our new and lifelong residents to join us at Dorchester County’s upcoming Hurricane Expo to learn more about how to prepare for the season.”
Residents across South Carolina are encouraged by officials to review their evacuation zones and create a preparedness plan ahead of storms. The public can access evacuation zone information as well as download the 2026 Hurricane Guide through resources provided by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website.
Dorchester County will host its annual Hurricane Prep Expo and Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Ashley River Park in Summerville. The event will include emergency professionals from several agencies including National Weather Service representatives; activities such as train rides; displays of emergency vehicles; information booths on mosquito abatement; law enforcement demonstrations; animal control exhibits; face painting; balloon art; food vendors; as well as a visit from a Medical University of South Carolina Health helicopter.
Dorchester County provides additional support for its residents through initiatives addressing homelessness prevention programs, mental health resources, mosquito control services for public safety concerns—while also advancing financial transparency by publishing employee salary data along with financial reports—and maintains infrastructure projects funded by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) or CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), according to the official website.
The county also manages facilities such as Ashley River Park itself along with Pine Trace Park plus senior centers libraries career technology centers supports award-winning school districts recognized for educational excellence maintains ties with special districts like Lake Marion Regional Water Agency Summers Corner Improvement District employs over one thousand full-time staff members according to information provided by the official website.
