Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive a $2.757 million Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) to improve all-hazards preparedness activities and emergency management. South Carolina will provide $2.757 million in matching funds for grants to local governments. “Our first priority is to protect the safety of all our citizens,” said Graham. “This money will help the state and local governments meet the challenges of responding to threats and emergency situations.” The funds may be used to:

• Improve disaster response and recovery capabilities by maintaining and improving State and local emergency operations plans.
• Reduce vulnerability to hazards by improving State mitigation plans.
• Develop mutual aid agreements.
• Support catastrophic planning.
• Coordinate or participate in the development of an inter-jurisdiction exercise program.
• Sponsor and participate in all-hazards exercises.
• Participate in the National Emergency Management Baseline Capability Assurance Program.
• Support and participate in Community Preparedness activities.
• Develop Disaster Logistics Support and Distribution Plans.
• Provide Public Assistance Program training for State staff.
• Develop a State or Local Continuity of Operations Plan.
• Develop a State plan to test the Emergency Alert System to include citizen participation and feedback.

The grant was awarded by U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. ####