What a South Carolina evacuation order actually says — "voluntary" vs "mandatory"

The words "voluntary" and "mandatory" do not appear as evacuation categories in South Carolina's published hurricane materials. The 2026 South Carolina Hurricane Guide (SCEMD) contains no instance of "voluntary evacuation." The state issues a single instrument, an Executive Evacuation Order. Annex D to the SC Hurricane Plan (May 2026) publishes the template, which reads in Section 1: "I hereby order the evacuation, effective at noon, Month xx, 2026, of all individuals located in the following Evacuation Zones. with the exception of those critical or emergency response personnel, as designated by the appropriate municipal, county, or special purpose district officials, necessary to provide essential services during or immediately following the event. All other individuals are ordered to evacuate the affected areas as expeditiously as possible." The template also states: "Any individuals or non-emergency management personnel who remain in the Evacuation Zones, and any medical facilities, nursing homes, businesses, or other organizations or entities that allow or require individuals under their charge to remain in the Evacuation Zones are responsible for the safety and well-being of themselves and those under their charge. Any such individuals or entities are hereby charged with the knowledge that should they need the assistance of emergency personnel or services, those personnel or services may not be available or capable of rendering aid." The order template runs "for a period of fifteen (15) days unless otherwise expressly stated herein or modified, amended, or rescinded by subsequent Order." SCEMD's own behavioral research, quoted in the Base Plan, records that "67% of people are more likely to evacuate if the Governor orders it." No state source located states a criminal penalty for remaining. Checked 2026-09-04.