South Carolina Office of Resilience

We are proud to partner with Google to support weatherization efforts and features in rebuilt homes! Weatherization efforts, which include insulating exterior doors, installing Energy Star appliances, HVAC efficiency testing, and double pane windows, make these homes more comfortable, more resilient, and more affordable.

Leaders from Florence County SC, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and Office of Resilience (SCOR), the SC Conservation Bank, Open Space Institute (OSI), Darla Moore Foundation, and Knobloch Family Foundation were joined by S.C. Governor Henry McMaster today at Odell Venters Landing to celebrate the protection of the Snow’s Island Assemblage- a 7,600-acre land conservation project in Florence County. Located at the confluence of the scenic Lynches and Great Pee Dee Rivers, the newly protected land includes both the expansive 5,000-acre Snow’s Island and an adjacent 2,600-acre timber tract (River Forks), both acquired by OSI earlier in 2024. Together, the two properties comprise the 7,600-acre “Snow’s Island Assemblage” and represent the largest conservation project in Florence County history. Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/dsvSb_aH

The South Carolina Office of Resilience is glad to announce construction started on a stormwater infrastructure project in North Myrtle Beach, SC on December 2nd, 2024. Located just south of Cherry Grove Beach, the project is designed to facilitate drainage of stormwater into the Atlantic Ocean. Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/eTQ-c9rk

We are hiring 4 more Watershed Coordinators! If you have interest in working with communities to build resilience through planning, scientific communication, training, technical assistance, and grant writing, this is a great opportunity.

The Office of Resilience is grateful for the support of its partners as we begin implementing the recommendations in the SC Strategic Statewide Resilience and Risk Reduction Plan. Our collaboration with The Nature Conservancy is a particularly fruitful partnership because their support of leveraging green solutions to risk reduction and mitigation efforts aligns closely with our team’s work. Dale Threatt-Taylor, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina, explains “The Nature Conservancy is a science-driven entity, and our work first and foremost considers how the application of science, data, and observations impact both people and nature. SCOR has demonstrated a true appreciation for that foundational science-based approach, as evidenced through the Statewide Resilience Plan recommendations. SCOR has also given natural and nature-based approaches to floodwater management a prominent place in the state’s resilience plan which we greatly appreciate. SCOR quickly connected the dots on how ecosystem services, such as wetland floodwater storage and water quality, can be reflected in state policy in a way that serves land and communities. We look forward to our continued partnership in building our state’s resilience for people and nature.” Read more about our office’s statewide resilience planning progress in the one year update to the Resilience Plan: https://lnkd.in/g9Nugz3Q We’re particularly excited to work with TNC on a living shoreline in SC as well as securing funds from the EPA to preserve land as part of the Atlantic Conservation Coalition! Learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s work in South Carolina here: https://lnkd.in/emr7PyeE

Homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina have until 11:59 p.m., Jan. 7, 2025, to apply for federal disaster assistance. FEMA urges survivors in designated areas to apply as soon as possible. FEMA assistance may include funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs; funds to support the repair or replacement of your primary home, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges; and funds for disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and other miscellaneous items. Also, farmers, farm employees, self-employed individuals and foresters may be eligible for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment not covered by insurance when they can show these items are required by their employer. After the deadline of Jan. 7, you may still submit documents, update your contact information and stay in contact with FEMA regarding your application, but you must apply before the deadline. How To Apply for FEMA Assistance Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply for FEMA assistance. The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply using the FEMA App for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362.

Join us this evening in Conway to learn about our stormwater improvements project! Details below:

We are excited to attend the final Farm and Forest Recovery Resource Day at the SC Farm Bureau Convention in Myrtle Beach tomorrow! From 9am-4pm, we will join FEMA, U.S. Department of Agriculture, SC Department of Environmental Services, The South Carolina Forestry Commission, Land Trusts, and more. We're providing a one-stop opportunity to connect farmers and foresters impacted by recent storms with recovery resources. SCOR Disaster Case Managers will be present to connect eligible citizens with recovery resources! Join us at Embassy Suites Hotel, 9800 Queensway Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Looking forward to discussing stormwater improvements tomorrow evening in Wattsville!

This week, South Carolina is observing Winter Weather Preparedness Week! As winter approaches, there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the cold weather ahead. Learn more at weather.gov/safety/winter