State of South Carolina
Executive Department

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2019-26

WHEREAS, the National Hurricane Center has determined from the latest forecast models that Hurricane Dorian, which is currently a category 4 hurricane, may impact the State of South Carolina and other areas in the southeastern region of the United States during the first week of September, 2019; and

WHEREAS, the undersigned has been advised that Hurricane Dorian, including the associated wind, heavy rain, flash flooding, and other severe weather, represents a significant threat to the State of South Carolina, which requires that the State take timely precautions to protect and preserve property, critical infrastructure, communities, and the general safety and welfare of the people of this State.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor of the State of South Carolina and pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of this State and the powers conferred upon me therein, effective at noon, August 31, 2019, I hereby declare that a State of Emergency exists in South Carolina. Accordingly, for the foregoing reasons and in accordance with the cited authorities and other applicable law, I further order and direct as follows:

Section 1. I hereby activate the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan (“Plan”) and direct that the Plan be placed into effect and that all prudent preparations be taken at the individual, local, and state levels to protect against the possible effects of Hurricane Dorian.

Section 2. I hereby place specified units and/or personnel of the South Carolina National Guard on State Active Duty, pursuant to section 25-1-1840 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, and direct the Adjutant General to issue the requisite supplemental orders. I further order the activation of South Carolina National Guard personnel and the utilization of appropriate equipment at the discretion of the Adjutant General, and in coordination with the Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, to take necessary and prudent actions to assist the people of this State.

Section 3. I hereby order Dual Status Command to allow the Adjutant General or his designee to serve as commander over both federal (Title 10) and state forces (National Guard in Title 32 and/or State Active Duty status) as necessary. Executive Order No. 2019-26 Page 2 August 31, 2019

Section 4. I hereby order that all licensing and registration requirements regarding private security personnel or companies who are contracted with South Carolina security companies in protecting property and restoring essential services in South Carolina shall be suspended, and I direct the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”) to initiate an emergency registration process for those personnel or companies for a period specified, and in a manner deemed appropriate, by the Chief of SLED.

Section 5. I hereby declare that the prohibitions against price gouging pursuant to section 39-5-145 of the South Carolina Code of Laws are in effect and shall remain in effect for the duration of this State of Emergency.

This Order is effective immediately. Further proclamations and directives deemed necessary to ensure the fullest protection of life and property during this State of Emergency shall be issued orally by the undersigned and thereafter reduced to writing within the succeeding 24-hour period. This State of Emergency shall remain in effect for a period of fifteen (15) days unless otherwise amended or rescinded by subsequent Order.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 31st DAY OF AUGUST, 2019.

HENRY MCMASTER
Governor

Attest:

Mark Hammond
Secretary of State