Hurricane Idalia

Aug. 29, 2023

DHEC is closely monitoring Hurricane Idalia. We are working with the Governor’s Office, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and other state agencies in accordance with the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and the South Carolina Hurricane Plan.

DHEC staff continue to actively prepare for any public health or environmental needs across the state due to the storm. For important information about steps you can take at home to prepare for severe weather, please visit our hurricane preparedness page and visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) website.

If you experience storm-related issues with flooding or mold or have questions about impacts to the water quality of your private well, please use the numbers below.

Severe weather creates the risk of flooding, debris on roadways and downed utility lines. Please use these safety tips:

DHEC’s CARELINE ― the agency’s public information phone line specific for storm-related information ― is currently not activated, as of Aug. 29. However, constituents can continue to call DHEC’s main line at 803-898-3432 for information about DHEC services. If DHEC activates the CARELINE, that phone number will be shared to the public through news releases and on social media.

DHEC oversees the coordination of Medical Needs Shelters around the state. These are shelters that provide lodging for people whose medical conditions exceed the capabilities of the general population shelters but are not severe enough to require a hospital stay. DHEC is prepared to provide Medical Needs Shelter assistance should it be needed due to impacts from Hurricane Idalia.

General Population Shelters are managed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), SCEMD and local governments. Please contact your local government for information about General Population Shelters in your area.

DHEC follows the closings and delays of county offices. For example, if Beaufort County offices are closed, DHEC health clinics and offices in Beaufort County also will be closed. The latest information on delays and closures can be found at scemd.org/closings or on local news stations.

Stay tuned to your local news channels, visit S.C. EMD’s website at scemd.org, download EMD’s free mobile app, and get the latest information from DHEC by following us on Twitter and Facebook .