WHO WE ARE
The South Carolina Emergency Management Association (SCEMA) is a professional association that represents emergency management professionals in the state of South Carolina, United States. SCEMA is composed of individuals and organizations involved in emergency management, including emergency managers, first responders, government officials, and other professionals who work to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies.
SCEMA serves as a forum for networking, collaboration, and professional development among emergency management practitioners in South Carolina. The association aims to promote the exchange of information, best practices, and resources to enhance the state’s overall emergency management capabilities.
OUR MISSION
To serve the emergency management community by providing information, professional development, and networking through state and local agencies, private industries, and volunteer organizations to advance the emergency management profession.
HISTORY OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
The South Carolina Emergency Management Association (SCEMA) began its journey as the Civil Defense Directors Association of South Carolina in 1961. As the field of emergency management continued to evolve, the association recognized the need to reflect its expanding role and responsibilities. In 1987, the membership voted to rename the association to the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Association. This change aimed to “enhance the image of productivity and unity in emergency management under the integrated emergency management system.” As emergency management practices and challenges grew more comprehensive, the association once again saw the need to adapt its identity. In 2011, to better capture the full scope of its mission and the dynamic nature of the field, the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Association officially became the South Carolina Emergency Management Association (SCEMA).
Throughout its history, SCEMA has been dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in emergency management. The association has continually worked to improve the capabilities of emergency managers, ensuring that South Carolina’s communities are better prepared and more resilient in the face of disasters.
