Emergency Management

Emergency preparedness is a team effort. Know how to stay informed, have a plan, and report issues to help keep Richland County strong and safe.

Stay Ready

1. Create a Disaster Plan

Have a family plan that covers different types of emergencies. Know how you will contact each other and where you will go if you need to leave your home.

2. Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare yourself, your family, your home, and your pets for disaster with this FEMA-approved emergency supplies list that can help keep everyone dry, hydrated, fed, and safe for several days.

3. Sign Up for Emergency Notifications

Receive emergency notifications specific to your address in the event of an emergency. Choose phone call, text message, or email for your alerts.

Join the Columbia-Richland County Citizen Alert System

Train and Volunteer

Get trained and join the Community Emergency Response Team.

For neighborhoods, businesses, faith-based organizations, clubs and other groups willing to develop and maintain skills and be ready to respond should professional services become overwhelmed or delayed.

Training sessions are around three hours and include:

• Disaster Preparedness
• Fire Suppression
• Medical Triage and Treating Life-Threatening Injuries
• Light Search and Rescue
• Team Organizing and Disaster Psychology

Communicators specializing in HAM and GRMS radio operations also plan and prepare to respond with the Emergency Operations Center.

Residents interested in learning more about these groups should call or email the office.

Know How to Report

Power Outages

Report a power outage directly to your utility provider:

• Dominion Energy: 888-333-4465
• Fairfield Electric Cooperative: 800-499-7862
• Tri-County Electric Cooperative: 877-874-1215 or 803-874-1215

Downed Tree Limbs and Debris

Report downed tree limbs and debris blocking roadways to 803-576-3439.

All Other Issues and Concerns

Make one call or email to the Richland County Ombudsman. Most requests are handled within 24 hours.