(Left to Right): Kim Stenson, South Carolina Emergency Management Division Director; Jae Mattox, South Carolina Department of Transportation Director of Traffic Engineering; Lt. Colonel John Manley, South Carolina Highway Patrol; Governor Henry McMaster; Jason Ward, Dorchester County Administrator; Thomas McNeal, Dorchester County Emergency Management Director; Sheriff Sam Richardson, Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office; and Ben Webster, Charleston County Emergency Management Deputy Director.
On Friday, Governor Henry McMaster joined 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 to coordinate hurricane season preparedness efforts and discuss readiness needs for South Carolina’s communities.
“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.”
“Every hurricane season presents different challenges, which is why early planning and communication are so important,” said Kim Stenson, director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division. “These visits give state and local leaders the opportunity to review preparedness efforts and identify potential needs.”
“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,” said Dorchester County Council Chairman David Chinnis. “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.”
As hurricane season approaches June 1, South Carolina residents are encouraged to begin preparing now by reviewing their hurricane evacuation zone and building a hurricane preparedness plan. Residents can find evacuation zone information and access the 2026 Hurricane Guide on the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website. Dorchester County residents can also view local evacuation zone information at dorchestercountysc.gov.
Dorchester County will host its annual Hurricane Prep Expo and Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ashley River Park, 200 Renken Road, Summerville. The event will feature emergency preparedness professionals from the National Weather Service, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and Dorchester County Emergency Management. Attendees can meet local first responders and explore a “Touch-a-Truck” display of emergency vehicles, including a visit from the Medical University of South Carolina Health helicopter. Vendors will also be on site to provide information on local services, including mosquito abatement, law enforcement, animal control, and more. Families are invited to enjoy train rides, inflatables, face painting, balloon art, and food vendors.
Dorchester County residents can visit the County’s website for additional information on how to prepare their property and loved ones ahead of hurricane season.