Charleston County, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Charleston County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina
. According to a 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, its population was 330,368. Its county seat
is Charleston
. It is the third-most populous county in the state (behind Greenville
and Richland
counties). Charleston County was created in 1901 by an act of the South Carolina State Legislature.
As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes only, Charleston County is included within the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area.
, the county has a total area of 1358 square miles (3,517.2 km²), the largest county in South Carolina, of which 919 square miles (2,380.2 km²) is land and 440 square miles (1,139.6 km²) (32.37%) is water.
, 34.5% Black
or African American
, 0.26% Native American
, 1.12% Asian
, 0.06% Pacific Islander
, 0.99% from other races
, and 1.16% from two or more races. 2.40% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 9.6% were of American, 9.5% English, 9.1% German
and 7.6% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 123,326 households out of which 28.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.20% were married couples living together, 15.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.20% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county, the age distribution of the population shows 23.70% under the age of 18, 12.00% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 22.00% from 45 to 64, and 11.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 93.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.50 males.
The median
income for a household in the county is $37,810, and the median income for a family was $47,139. Males had a median income of $32,681 versus $25,530 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $21,393. About 12.40% of families and 16.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.90% of those under age 18 and 12.70% of those age 65 or over.
In the 2000 census, the county population was classified as about 86% urban. The Charleston-North Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the populations of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.
Beach parks:
Fishing piers:
Marinas and boat landings:
Day parks:
Water parks:
Off-leash dog parks are offered at James Island, Palmetto Islands, and North Charleston Wannamaker County Park.
James Island County Park, approximately 11 minutes by car from downtown Charleston, features a 50-foot climbing wall and bouldering cave; cabin, RV, and tent camping facilities; rental facilities, fishing dock, challenge course, kayaking programs, summer camps, paved trails, and many special events such as the Lowcountry Cajun Festival (usually the first weekend in April), East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival (3rd weekend in April), Holiday Festival of Lights (mid-November through the first of the year), and the summer outdoor reggae concerts.
Services are provided by both career and volunteer members who operate out of six station locations. All stations are under the command of a Battalion Chief and are divided into three working shifts (A, B and C). The department works a 24/48-work schedule.
The Fire Chief reports directly to the County Emergency Management Director. The Battalion Chief reports directly to the Fire Chief, and duties include emergency response and incident command, the direction of training, and the daily supervision and direction of the station Lieutenants and Firefighters.
The Awendaw Fire Department maintains a high level of professional standards, focusing on education, certifications, performance measures and fitness. Among other certifications, many full-time personnel are certified medical first responders. A constant state of readiness is maintained to be fully prepared to respond to various emergencies (firefighting, medical, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, etc.). In 2001, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) gave the Department a rating of 6, acknowledging its professional achievements and therefore saving homeowners thousands of dollars in insurance premiums.
One of the most popular Fire Department members is "Dottie", a Dalmatian dog permanently assigned to Fire Station 2. Dottie assists department personnel with public education events, parades, etc."
For more information, please visit the organization's Web site: http://www.chasrescue.com
In May 1956, newspaper clippings referred to the Charleston County Civil Defense Council, the predecessor of Emergency Preparedness Division (EPD). In 1960, County Council created the Civil Defense Advisory Council to guide the Director of Civil Defense on personnel selection, appropriations and policy issues. The department existed under various titles prior to July 5, 1983, when County Council officially created the County's Emergency Preparedness Division. On June 20, 1987, the renewed agency got its first real field exposure when lightning started a fire of an 80 million USgals (302,833 m³) fuel tank at the Hess Terminal. EPD was once again designated as a separate department in 1990, after Hurricane Hugo. In 2010 the Emergency Prepaedness Division was consolidated with the Hazardious Materials Division and places under EMD as a single agency. The EMD Director is also responsible for the County Volunteer Rescue Squad and Awendaw Fire Department. "
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. According to a 2005 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, its population was 330,368. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
. It is the third-most populous county in the state (behind Greenville
Greenville County, South Carolina
- External Links :*...
and Richland
Richland County, South Carolina
Richland County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The 2000 U.S. census recorded its population to be 320,677. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded that its population had reached 384,504. It is the second most populous county in South Carolina, behind only Greenville...
counties). Charleston County was created in 1901 by an act of the South Carolina State Legislature.
As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes only, Charleston County is included within the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 1358 square miles (3,517.2 km²), the largest county in South Carolina, of which 919 square miles (2,380.2 km²) is land and 440 square miles (1,139.6 km²) (32.37%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Berkeley County, South CarolinaBerkeley County, South CarolinaBerkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 142,651. The 2005 Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 151,673. Its county seat is Moncks Corner....
- north - Georgetown County, South Carolina - northeast
- Colleton County, South Carolina - west
- Dorchester County, South Carolina - northwest
National protected areas
- Cape Romain National Wildlife RefugeCape Romain National Wildlife RefugeThe Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is a 66,287 acre National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern South Carolina near Awendaw on South Carolina's only cape, Cape Romain. are designated as Class I Wilderness...
- Charles Pinckney National Historic SiteCharles Pinckney National Historic SiteCharles Pinckney National Historic Site preserves a portion of Charles Pinckney's Snee Farm. The site is located at 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina....
- Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife RefugeACE Basin National Wildlife RefugeThe Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is a portion of the larger ACE Basin area, and the only portions that are federally protected. The wildlife refuge is divided into two units: the Edisto River unit and the Combahee River unit....
(part) - Fort Moultrie National MonumentFort Moultrie National MonumentFort Moultrie is the name of a series of citadels on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, built to protect the city of Charleston, South Carolina. The first fort, built of palmetto logs, inspired the flag and nickname of South Carolina...
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Francis Marion National ForestFrancis Marion National ForestThe Francis Marion National Forest is located north of Charleston, South Carolina. It is named for revolutionary war hero Francis Marion, who was known to the British as the Swamp Fox. It lies entirely within the Middle Atlantic coastal forests ecoregion....
(part)
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 309,969 people, 143,326 households, and 97,448 families residing in the county. The population density was 338 people per square mile (130/km²). There were 141,031 housing units at an average density of 154 per square mile (59/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 61.9% WhiteRace (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 34.5% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.26% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.12% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.06% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.99% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.16% from two or more races. 2.40% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 9.6% were of American, 9.5% English, 9.1% German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
and 7.6% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 123,326 households out of which 28.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.20% were married couples living together, 15.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.20% were non-families. 28.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county, the age distribution of the population shows 23.70% under the age of 18, 12.00% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 22.00% from 45 to 64, and 11.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 93.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.50 males.
The median
Median
In probability theory and statistics, a median is described as the numerical value separating the higher half of a sample, a population, or a probability distribution, from the lower half. The median of a finite list of numbers can be found by arranging all the observations from lowest value to...
income for a household in the county is $37,810, and the median income for a family was $47,139. Males had a median income of $32,681 versus $25,530 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $21,393. About 12.40% of families and 16.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.90% of those under age 18 and 12.70% of those age 65 or over.
In the 2000 census, the county population was classified as about 86% urban. The Charleston-North Charleston Metropolitan Statistical Area includes the populations of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.
Cities located in Charleston County
- CharlestonCharleston, South CarolinaCharleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
- Folly BeachFolly Beach, South CarolinaFolly Beach is a city, located on historic Folly Island, in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,117 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- North CharlestonNorth Charleston, South CarolinaNorth Charleston is the 3rd largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina with incorporated areas in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. On June 12, 1972 the city of North Charleston incorporated and was the 9th largest city in South Carolina. According to the 2010 Census, North...
- Isle of PalmsIsle of Palms, South CarolinaIsle of Palms is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population on the island was 4,133. Isle of Palms is a barrier island on the South Carolina coast. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
Towns located in Charleston County
- AwendawAwendaw, South CarolinaAwendaw is a small fishing town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,195 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- HollywoodHollywood, South CarolinaHollywood is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,946 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- James IslandJames Island, South CarolinaJames Island is a former town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. It is located in the central and southern parts of James Island. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- Kiawah IslandKiawah Island, South CarolinaKiawah is a sea island, or barrier island, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Located south of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, it is operated today largely as a beach and golf resort — the Kiawah Island Golf Resort — with spacious villas, beaches, large and acclaimed golf...
- LincolnvilleLincolnville, South CarolinaLincolnville is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. A very small portion of the town extends into Dorchester County. The population was 904 at the 2000 census.As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- McClellanvilleMcClellanville, South CarolinaMcClellanville is a small fishing town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 459 at the 2000 census. It is situated on the Atlantic coast, on land surrounded by Francis Marion National Forest and has traditionally derived its livelihood from the sea and coastal...
- MeggettMeggett, South CarolinaMeggett is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,230 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- Mount PleasantMount Pleasant, South CarolinaMount Pleasant is a large affluent suburban town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. It is a member of the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area, for statistical purpose only, as designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget....
- RavenelRavenel, South CarolinaRavenel is a town in Charleston County and Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,214 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- RockvilleRockville, South CarolinaRockville is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States that was founded in 1784. The population was 137 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- Seabrook IslandSeabrook Island, South CarolinaSeabrook Island is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,250 at the 2000 census.As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- Sullivan's IslandSullivan's Island, South CarolinaSullivan's Island is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States, on a similarly named island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. The population was 1,911 at the 2000 census. It is also the site of a major battle of the American Revolution at Fort Sullivan on June 28, 1776. As...
Districts
- Awendaw Special Tax District - Made up of unincorporated parts of Northern Charleston County, the Town of AwendawAwendaw, South CarolinaAwendaw is a small fishing town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,195 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
, and the Town of McClellanvilleMcClellanville, South CarolinaMcClellanville is a small fishing town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 459 at the 2000 census. It is situated on the Atlantic coast, on land surrounded by Francis Marion National Forest and has traditionally derived its livelihood from the sea and coastal...
. - James Island Public Service District - Made up of all of the Town of James Island and unincorporated parts of the island.
- North Charleston Public Service District - Responsible for sewer lines and treatment in the City of North Charleston.
- Saint Johns Public Service District - Made up of unincorporated parts of Johns Island.
- Saint Andrews Public Service District - Made up of unincorporated parts of West Ashley.
- St. Pauls Fire District - Made up of all of the Towns of Hollywood, Ravenel, Meggett and unincorporated parts of the southern end of Charleston County.
County parks
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) http://www.ccprc.com operates numerous facilities within Charleston County.Beach parks:
- Kiawah Beachwalker County Park, Kiawah Island, South CarolinaKiawah Island, South CarolinaKiawah is a sea island, or barrier island, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Located south of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, it is operated today largely as a beach and golf resort — the Kiawah Island Golf Resort — with spacious villas, beaches, large and acclaimed golf...
- Isle of Palms County Park, Isle of Palms, South CarolinaIsle of Palms, South CarolinaIsle of Palms is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population on the island was 4,133. Isle of Palms is a barrier island on the South Carolina coast. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- Folly Beach County Park, Folly Beach, South CarolinaFolly Beach, South CarolinaFolly Beach is a city, located on historic Folly Island, in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,117 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
Fishing piers:
- Folly Beach Fishing Pier, Folly Beach, South CarolinaFolly Beach, South CarolinaFolly Beach is a city, located on historic Folly Island, in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,117 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- Mt. Pleasant Pier, Mount Pleasant, South CarolinaMount Pleasant, South CarolinaMount Pleasant is a large affluent suburban town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. It is a member of the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area, for statistical purpose only, as designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget....
Marinas and boat landings:
- Cooper River Marina
- Multiple county-wide boat landings
Day parks:
- Palmetto Islands County Park, Mount Pleasant, South CarolinaMount Pleasant, South CarolinaMount Pleasant is a large affluent suburban town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. It is a member of the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area, for statistical purpose only, as designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget....
- Caw Caw Nature and History Interpretive Center, Ravenel, South CarolinaRavenel, South CarolinaRavenel is a town in Charleston County and Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,214 at the 2000 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S...
- North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, North Charleston, South CarolinaNorth Charleston, South CarolinaNorth Charleston is the 3rd largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina with incorporated areas in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. On June 12, 1972 the city of North Charleston incorporated and was the 9th largest city in South Carolina. According to the 2010 Census, North...
- Mullet Hall Equestrian Center, Johns Island, South CarolinaJohns Island, South CarolinaJohns Island, also spelled John's Island, is the largest island in the U.S. State of South Carolina. It is one of the many Sea Islands along the coast of South Carolina.-Background:...
- James Island County Park, Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South CarolinaCharleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
Water parks:
- Splash Island at Palmetto Islands County Park
- Splash Zone at James Island County Park
- Whirlin' Waters at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Off-leash dog parks are offered at James Island, Palmetto Islands, and North Charleston Wannamaker County Park.
James Island County Park, approximately 11 minutes by car from downtown Charleston, features a 50-foot climbing wall and bouldering cave; cabin, RV, and tent camping facilities; rental facilities, fishing dock, challenge course, kayaking programs, summer camps, paved trails, and many special events such as the Lowcountry Cajun Festival (usually the first weekend in April), East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival (3rd weekend in April), Holiday Festival of Lights (mid-November through the first of the year), and the summer outdoor reggae concerts.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Charleston County Emergency Medical Service Department (EMS) provides prehospital medical care and transportation to emergency rooms for citizens and visitors of the county. Charleston County EMS was created in 1973 by a group of concerned citizens, local physicians, and members of the Charleston County Government. Before this time, emergency medical care was provided by two private ambulance services. One of the first countywide emergency medical service systems in the state, Charleston County EMS provides access to advanced levels of emergency medical care regardless of the emergency's location or the patient's ability to pay.Awendaw Fire Department
"The Awendaw Fire Department provides fire and life safety services including: Medical First Responder, Rural Search & Rescue, Auto Extrication, Wildland Fire Suppression, Fire Inspection and Public Fire Education services to the citizens of the unincorporated areas of Charleston County north of Mount Pleasant. Serving 365 square miles (945.3 km²) with a suburban/rural interface, federal forest land and coastal areas, the Fire Department's direct service area includes the Awendaw area, Boone Hall, McClellanville, South Santee, and Germantown area and the towns of Awendaw and McClellanville.Services are provided by both career and volunteer members who operate out of six station locations. All stations are under the command of a Battalion Chief and are divided into three working shifts (A, B and C). The department works a 24/48-work schedule.
The Fire Chief reports directly to the County Emergency Management Director. The Battalion Chief reports directly to the Fire Chief, and duties include emergency response and incident command, the direction of training, and the daily supervision and direction of the station Lieutenants and Firefighters.
The Awendaw Fire Department maintains a high level of professional standards, focusing on education, certifications, performance measures and fitness. Among other certifications, many full-time personnel are certified medical first responders. A constant state of readiness is maintained to be fully prepared to respond to various emergencies (firefighting, medical, vehicle extrication, hazardous materials, etc.). In 2001, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) gave the Department a rating of 6, acknowledging its professional achievements and therefore saving homeowners thousands of dollars in insurance premiums.
One of the most popular Fire Department members is "Dottie", a Dalmatian dog permanently assigned to Fire Station 2. Dottie assists department personnel with public education events, parades, etc."
Volunteer Rescue Squad
The Volunteer Rescue Squad is a volunteer organization consisting of over 50 members and a medical control physician. Members are certified in a variety of emergency skills, including auto extrication, fire fighting, structural collapse/urban search and rescue, diving, large animal rescue, rural search and rescue, and high angle/ technical rescue. In addition, many squad members are First Responders, EMT's and Paramedics.For more information, please visit the organization's Web site: http://www.chasrescue.com
Emergency Management Department
"The Emergency Management Division (EMD) provides leadership and assistance to reduce the loss of life and property in Charleston County from a variety of man-made and natural hazards through an effective emergency management program.In May 1956, newspaper clippings referred to the Charleston County Civil Defense Council, the predecessor of Emergency Preparedness Division (EPD). In 1960, County Council created the Civil Defense Advisory Council to guide the Director of Civil Defense on personnel selection, appropriations and policy issues. The department existed under various titles prior to July 5, 1983, when County Council officially created the County's Emergency Preparedness Division. On June 20, 1987, the renewed agency got its first real field exposure when lightning started a fire of an 80 million USgals (302,833 m³) fuel tank at the Hess Terminal. EPD was once again designated as a separate department in 1990, after Hurricane Hugo. In 2010 the Emergency Prepaedness Division was consolidated with the Hazardious Materials Division and places under EMD as a single agency. The EMD Director is also responsible for the County Volunteer Rescue Squad and Awendaw Fire Department. "
Notable residents
- Pernessa C. SeelePernessa C. SeelePernessa C. Seele is an immunologist and the CEO and founder of Balm in Gilead, Inc., a religious-based organization that provides support to people with AIDS and their families, as well as working for prevention of HIV and AIDS. In 1989 she initiated the Harlem Week of Prayer, with 50 churches,...
(1954- ), immunologist, founder and CEO of the Balm in Gilead, Inc., an international organization based in Harlem, New York for 30 years to promote religious communities' role in education and prevention of HIV/AIDS, and support of families. - Also see List of people from Charleston, South Carolina for many more notable residents
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Charleston County, South Carolina