What is the purpose of this service?
The primary purpose of Disaster Response Services (DRS) is to coordinate “Mass Care”
operations during disasters. Mass Care encompasses sheltering, feeding, first aid
at mass care facilities and family well-being inquiry. DSS is designated as the
lead agency for coordination of Mass Care. DRS is responsible for coordinating all
“Mass Care” administrative, management, planning, training, preparedness, mitigation,
response and recovery activities. DRS is supported and coordinates with the American
Red Cross, Salvation Army, DHEC, and other state agencies/volunteer relief organizations
to meet basic human needs (shelter, food, clothing, inquiry and emergency social
services) in disaster situations.
What should I do as a Foster Parent, Child Placing Agency, Group Home, or Child Care Provider in the event of disaster?
Please visit the SCDSS Disaster Preparedeness page for more information.
Who can receive these services?
All residents, visitors, tourists, basically anyone in South Carolina at the time
of a disaster and the subsequent recovery operations.
How are the services provided?
Activities traditionally associated with providing Federal supplemental disaster
recovery assistance under a Presidential major disaster declaration. These activities
usually begin within days after the event and continue after the response activities
cease. If not a Presidential major disaster declaration, the State of S. C. can
declare an emergency disaster declaration and state operations and assets are utilized.
What services are provided? How can I apply?
Recovery is defined as: The return to normal conditions; the process of restoring
a community to normal following a major disaster. The following topics offer links
to web pages hosted by various federal agencies with programs to help you recover
from disasters.
The Declaration Process
State Damage Assessment Forms
Assistance Programs
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Agriculture
IRS
More Information & Resources