South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) will livestream a press conference hosted by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) on Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia. The briefing will feature emergency management and state agency leaders discussing South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week and outlining key steps residents can take to stay safe during periods of hazardous winter weather.
Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed Nov. 30–Dec. 6, 2025, as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in South Carolina. The week encourages residents to review emergency plans, gather essential supplies, understand winter weather alerts and know how to respond when conditions become dangerous.
During the press conference, Gov. Henry McMaster, Brig. Gen. Christopher Hyman of the South Carolina National Guard and SCEMD Director Kim Stenson will be joined by representatives from partner agencies, including the National Weather Service, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the South Carolina Department of Public Health, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff and South Carolina State Fire. Leaders will provide updates on winter weather readiness, travel safety, emergency communications and resources available to support families, businesses and communities statewide.
Winter weather in South Carolina can include cold temperatures, snow, ice storms, freezing rain, sleet and black ice. State officials emphasize the importance of preparing in advance by:
- Building an emergency kit for each vehicle that includes a shovel, scraper, flashlight, radio, batteries, water, snacks, matches, extra clothing, a first aid kit, medicines, blankets, a tow chain, salt, booster cables, flares and a distress flag.
- Reviewing home heating safety guidelines and ensuring space heaters and generators are used correctly.
- Staying informed through trusted weather alerts, local news updates and official notifications from emergency management.
South Carolina averages several winter weather events each year, and even minor ice or snow can disrupt transportation, utilities and daily routines. Agencies across the state work year-round to prepare for these hazards, coordinating response plans, conducting training exercises and ensuring equipment is ready for deployment.
SCETV’s weather-related reporting and emergency response communications efforts extend across the state. SCETV closely monitors evolving weather conditions, ensuring timely updates during weather events through statewide, multiplatform coverage. Leveraging the South Carolina Emergency Information Network (SCEIN), a partnership with WUFT in Gainesville, Florida, SCETV regularly delivers critical updates across its broadcast television and radio networks, on social media and online. Additionally, in collaboration with the SCEMD and the Governor’s Office, SCETV broadcasts and livestreams statewide press conferences and provides the latest information on state government office closings. For weather updates and preparedness resources, visit SCETV's dedicated weather page at SCETV.org/weather.
The official South Carolina Winter Weather Guide contains checklists and preparedness tips. Also, the SC Emergency Manager mobile app is designed for users to build their own emergency plans, to keep track of supplies and to stay connected. The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
The press conference for South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week will livestream on the SCETV website and the SCETV News YouTube channel.
FAST FACTS
- SCETV will livestream the Winter Weather Preparedness Week press conference on Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. from the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia.
- Gov. Henry McMaster has proclaimed Nov. 30–Dec. 6, 2025, as Winter Weather Preparedness Week in South Carolina.
- The press conference for South Carolina Winter Weather Preparedness Week will livestream on the SCETV website and the SCETV News YouTube channel.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
