S.C. Code Ann. § 25-1-430: Definitions.

As used in this article:

(a) "Emergency preparedness" shall mean the extraordinary actions of government in preparing for and carrying out all functions and operations, other than those for which the military is primarily responsible, when concerted, coordinated action by several agencies or departments of government and private sector organizations are required to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from a disaster of any origin.

(b) "Emergency" shall mean actual or threatened enemy attack, sabotage, conflagration, flood, storm, epidemic, earthquake, riot, or other public calamity.

(c) "South Carolina Emergency Management (Civil Defense) Organization" shall mean all officers and employees of state government, county government, and municipal government, together with those volunteer forces enrolled to aid them in an emergency and persons who may by agreement or operation of law be charged with duties incident to protection of life and property of this State during emergencies.