Spartanburg County Community Emergency Response Team

05/19/2026

This week is EMS Week across the nation, and we want to take a moment to say thank you to Spartanburg EMS for everything they do for our community every single day.

We also want to recognize our very own Spartanburg County Community Emergency Response Team CERT91 team for their continued contributions to emergency response in Spartanburg County.

For those who may not know, CERT91 currently responds to medical calls at the EMR level. Their response to lower-acuity calls helps free up EMS units so they can remain available for higher-acuity emergencies.

We are also excited to share that 10 CERT91 members recently passed their EMT-Basic class at Spartanburg Community College, and all are scheduled to take their NREMT on June 15. With the CERT91 program adding up to 10 EMTs, we hope to increase our overall availability for call response.

In addition to EMS Week, we also want to give a quick kudos to the Spartanburg County Long Term Recovery Group, which had a Winyah Bay COAD rep facilitate a four-hour tabletop exercise yesterday. Their continued work to strengthen disaster recovery partnerships is making a real difference in our county.

Lastly, we wanted to thank Helping Hands for Hurting People Ministries for their Coffee/Cookie donation yesterday. These types of donations mean so much to all of our volunteer efforts.

We have a lot more on the docket this week, so expect another post or two if time permits.

To everyone who keeps us going, supports these programs, and serves this community: thank you!

05/05/2026

Here is our obligatory "May the 4th be with you!" post.

For all of our Star Trek fans, do not worry, Star Trek Day is on 9/8.

However, there currently is not a day for the best space movie ever created: Galaxy Quest.

Though Galaxy Quest does not have a day yet, we are calling for all Galaxy Quest fans to unite and "Never give up, never surrender!"
Stay safe everyone!!

05/04/2026

Another busy week last week...thank you to all of our members who help keep us going

04/16/2026

Congratulations/Goodbye

We wanted to extend a goodbye and congratulations to our very own Mike Brown who is departing our office for a County Emergency Management Director/Coordinator position.

Mike has been with us since April 2022 and almost departs 4 years to the day for greener pastures. We wish Mike all the best and his contribution cannot be expressed in words. He took an inland water team and made it a swift water asset. Attached are a few pictures that chronical Mike's time here with us.

We wish you all the best with your new adventure and we will support you whenver you need us. Congrats again Mike!!

04/01/2026

Innovative ideas from Spartanburg County Emergency Management

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve situational awareness and operational readiness, Spartanburg County Emergency Management is evaluating new methods to enhance local weather forecasting accuracy.

While modern forecasting tools continue to improve, we recognize that weather prediction remains an inexact science. As a result, we are exploring a hybrid forecasting model that combines traditional meteorological data with time-tested observational techniques.

Farmer’s Almanac Integration Initiative
We are currently reviewing ways to incorporate long-range forecasting indicators commonly referenced in the Farmer’s Almanac. This includes trend analysis based on historical patterns, lunar cycles, and historically validated seasonal indicators.

Environmental Indicator Monitoring
Field personnel may begin documenting natural indicators observed during operations and training, including:

- Increased squirrel activity and nut stockpiling trends
- Thickness and early development of animal fur
- Bird flight altitude and directional consistency
- Cow grouping behavior (standing vs. laying) prior to precipitation
- Fog persistence patterns in low-lying areas
- Cricket activity levels and chirp frequency
- Ant mound height and directional construction patterns
- Sudden increases in “that smell before rain” reports from field teams

Expanded Observation Metrics (Pilot)
To improve data consistency, the following observational tools are being evaluated:

- Pine Cone Humidity Index (PCHI) – degree of cone openness vs. moisture levels
- Porch Chair Wind Scale – movement of unsecured lawn furniture as a proxy for wind gusts
- Sweet Tea Dilution Rate – ice melt speed during outdoor briefings as a heat index indicator
- Command Bus Coffee Consumption Index – correlation between caffeine intake and overnight storm potential
- Waffle House Operational Status Overlay (WHOSO) – unofficial severity benchmarking model

Cloud Pattern Recognition Training
We are exploring the addition of basic cloud identification training for field teams, including:

- Identification of “looks like it might do something later” cloud formations
- Rapid recognition of “that one cloud you don’t trust”
- Group consensus decision-making when clouds “just feel off”

Command Staff Observational Protocol
In an effort to validate historical forecasting methods, command staff may periodically conduct visual sky assessments at the beginning of operational periods. This may include:

- “Red sky at morning/night” verification
- Wind shift observations using flag, tree, or hat movement
- Barometric “feel” assessments (initial testing has shown mixed but confident results)
- Standardized phrase reporting such as “feels like rain” or “it’s got that look to it”

Advanced Technology Evaluation
In coordination with emerging research, we are also reviewing several next-generation forecasting tools, including:

- AI-assisted “Grandparent Weather Prediction Model” trained on decades of statements such as “I can feel it in my knees”
- Real-time biscuit humidity expansion monitoring
- Satellite-supported grill smoke drift analysis
- Dewpoint estimation via windshield fog timing
- Backyard trampoline lift probability modeling

Pilot Program – “Analog Forecasting”
A small-scale pilot program is being considered where select operational decisions (non-critical) are compared against both traditional forecasts and observational indicators to evaluate accuracy over time.

Initial results have shown strong confidence levels, regardless of outcome.

While these initiatives are in the early stages of consideration, they reflect our continued commitment to improving preparedness through both innovation and practical field observation.

We appreciate your patience as we explore these additional forecasting enhancements.

—

Additional guidance and potential training opportunities will be released as this program develops.

Let us know which indicator you trust the most 👀

South Carolina Emergency Management Division US National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office Boiling Springs Fire Department Of Spartanburg

02/18/2026

Our Spartanburg County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is participating in the Special Olympics Fundraiser / Spartanburg Polar Plunge on February 21, 2026.

We’re currently collecting donations to support this great cause. In less than 24 hours, our members have already raised $1,080!

If you’re in a position to donate and would like to support our donation efforts, we’d be grateful for your support: https://www.classy.org/team/805800

Thank you for your time and consideration. Stay Safe Everyone!

Spartanburg Polar Plunge / February 21, 2026 / 10:00AM Start / Location: Spartanburg Marriott (299 N. Church St., Spartanburg)

02/17/2026

Special Olympics Polar Plunge is this Saturday, 10:00 AM at the Spartanburg Marriott (downtown). We're late to the game, but we've formed a team and set a very doable goal: $500.

Donate here to help us reach the goal: give.classy.org/spartanburgcert

01/28/2026

⚠️ The Extreme Cold Weather shelter at Saxon Ave that averages 75-100+ per night can only remain open with volunteer support.

🧍‍♀️ WE URGENTLY NEED SHELTER VOLUNTEERS especially for the 12pm-8am time period

The dates that we know for certain we are open, based on volunteer coverage, are WED, THURS, AND FRIDAY NIGHTS
No experience needed — training is on-the-job, and getting started is simple:

✅ Agree to Terms & Conditions
✅ Complete a FREE Bloodborne Pathogen Training
👉 https://epicourses.com/.../free-osha-for-healthcare.../
✅ Pass a background check (we cover the cost)
👉 Volunteer here: https://bttr.im/06aey

Spartanburg County Emergency Management

Send a message to learn more

01/21/2026

WINTER STORM RESPONSE – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

A significant winter storm is expected to impact Spartanburg County, and Emergency Services is preparing for extended operations. We are actively requesting volunteers NOW to support critical response functions before conditions worsen.

WHERE HELP IS NEEDED
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Situation tracking, documentation, logistics support, phone and radio assistance

Points of Distribution (PODs)
Distributing food, water, and emergency supplies, traffic control, assisting residents

Shelter Operations
General population shelters and Special Medical Needs shelters, registration, care, feeding, and support

Debris Operations
Cutting and clearing storm debris, roadway access, damage assessment

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Training is provided. Many roles are non-physical and critical to operations.

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE STORM HITS
IF A SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM IMPACTS OUR AREA, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE STORM HITS TO VOLUNTEER. YOU CAN GET STARTED NOW BY CLICKING HERE:
https://bttr.im/06aey

The onboarding process is streamlined and typically takes 1–2 hours:

Agree to terms and code of conduct

Complete Bloodborne Pathogen Training

Background check provided at no cost

Being ready before the storm makes all the difference.

01/05/2026

Spartanburg County Emergency Management — 2025 Year in Review

2025 was a year of high ops tempo, sustained recovery work, and constant readiness. Here’s the recap — numbers, dates, and details included.

✅ Activations / Requests for Service
1,269 Requests for Service (EM Activations)

🚒 EM Deployments (or Supported Deployment — 1 week+)
7/10–7/18 — Hunt, TX (Mutual Aid): 7-person deployment
2 HRD K9 | 5 Swiftwater Techs
10/9/25–10/16/25 — Kohlten Groce: EMAC
10/18/25–11/5/25 — Mike Brown: EMAC

🏠 Shelter Operations (39 listed dates)
Winter/Extreme Cold Weather Shelters
Jan 10
Jan 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
Feb 20
Nov 27
Nov 28
Dec 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 29, 30, 31

Severe Weather Shelter
Mar 16

Cooling Shelters
Jun 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
Jul 8, 9, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

🤝 Support Missions / Community & Incident Support
Jan 18–19 — Cowpens, SC -parking - Battle of Cowpens
Feb 6 — SCOR setup at SCC
Feb 22 — Smoke Alarm Blitz (Glendale)
Mar 1 — Rehab (Saluda)
Mar 2 — Saluda Fire Support
Mar 3 — Saluda Fire — Drone
Mar 4 — FF Rehab (Boiling Springs)
Mar 8 — AmeriCorps Prep
Mar 13 — Smoke Detector Blitz (South Spartanburg)
Mar 26 — Blanket delivery (Table Rock)
Mar 28–30 — Transylvania Accountability
Apr 4 — Uniform Giveaway
Apr 8 — Weather Radio & Uniform Giveaway
May 28 — Rehab call (Spartanburg)
Jun 12 — HazMat Rehab
Jun 14 — Drone Support (Spartanburg)
Jun 16 — Rehab Support — Fire Exercise (NSAFD)
Jun 19 — Water Distribution
Jul 9 — Rehab — Ammonia Training
Aug 21 — Henderson Funeral
Aug 22 — HazMat Rehab Call
Aug 27 — SCC Fair
Aug 30 — Milliken 5K
Sep 4 — HazMat Rehab
Sep 27 — Community Preparedness Day
Sep 29 — Helene Remembrance Breakfast
Oct 1 — GSP Exercise (Reunification/Shelter Exercise)
Oct 4–5 — Walnut Grove Festival
Oct 4 — 2025 Band Tournament
Oct 7 — National Night Out
Oct 25 — All Hallows Eve
Oct 28 — HazMat Rehab
Nov 22 ~ NCAA DIII Cross County Championship
Dec 10 — Fire Rehab — Love Gas Station
Dec 13 — Santa Fun Run 2025

🚑 CERT91 (Medical) — 1,176 Requests for Service
Monthly totals:
Jan: 115
Feb: 93
Mar: 117
Apr: 83
May: 122
Jun: 106
Jul: 144
Aug: 82
Sep: 78
Oct: 76
Nov: 60
Dec: 100

🛰️ Search & Rescue / Drone (SCSAR)
Jan 14 — Lancaster, SC (K9/Drone/Ground)
Jan 27 — Rabun, GA (K9)
Feb 11 — Cowpens, SC
Feb 18 — Glendale (K9)
Mar 1 — Holly Springs (Drone)
Mar 3–4 — Cowpens, SC (K9)
Mar 8–9 — Table Rock, NC (K9/Drone/Ground)
Mar 11–12 — Cowpens Cold Case (K9/Drone/Ground)
May 16 — Travelers Rest Cold Case (K9/Drone/Ground)
Jun 19 — City of Spartanburg (Drone)
Jul 31 — Spartanburg (Inland Water/Drone)
Sep 22–23 — Spartanburg (HRD K9)
Nov 18–21 — Union County, GA
Dec 19 — Spartanburg, SC (Drone)
Dec 23 — Spartanburg, SC (Ground/Drone)

🏢 EOC Activations (Comms/Support/Assistance)
Jan 10
Mar 16
Mar 31
Jun 14
Jun 26

📞✅ Silver Checks / Homebound Welfare Check Program
157 days × 33 calls/day = min 5,181 total phone calls in 2025.

🎓 Training & Readiness

🐕 K9
79 K9 Unit Trainings (avg 3 hrs each)
3 AMPWDA Seminars — 4 days / 32 hrs each
1 Water Seminar — 3 days / 24 hrs
1 AMPWDA HRD Seminar Only — 4 days / 32 hrs
2/14 — HRD certs/recerts (AWDA):
David Hartman / K9 Ada
Kevin Hite / K9 Khaos
Marty Hester / K9 Gunner
Lorraine Archer / K9 Jaeger

🚁 Drone
45 Drone Unit Trainings (avg 2 hrs each

🧠 In-Services (avg 2.5 hrs each)
2/20/25 — SAR In-Service
4/8/25 — SAR In-Service (SARASSIST)
5/20/25 — Crime Scene Preservation for SAR
6/10/25 — SAR In-Service (SARTOPO)
6/24/25 — Cascade System
7/8/25 — EOC Ops
8/12/25 — Psychological First Aid + De-escalation (SAR/CERT91)
9/9/25 — Stronger Together
10/14/25 — Flanking
11/5/25 — Case Management
12/9/25 — Better Impact

🧭 FUNSAR / SAR II / Medical

2 FUNSAR/SAR II classes — 56 hrs
2 Wilderness First Aid classes — 4 hrs each

🦺 Basic CERT / Stop the Bleed
5 Basic CERT classes — 14 hrs each
5 Stop the Bleed trainings — 2 hrs each

📻 Ham Radio
2 Ham Radio Technician Trainings — all-day 8 hr classes
Restarted weekly Ham Radio Net on 442.80

🩺 CERT91 / Medical In-Services (4 hrs each)
2/7/2025
3/22/2025
5/13/2025
8/5/2025
9/18/25
10/18/2025
12/18/2025
12/20/2025

🧭 Survival
10/17–10/18 — Basic Survival
12/5–12/6 — Advanced Survival

❤️ CPR (4 hrs each)
2/18/2025
4/1/2025
6/26/2025
9/25/2025
11/3/2025

🚑 Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
Full EMR class — 64 hrs
EMR refresher — 24 hrs

🌊 Inland Water
Apr 11–14 (Rabun, GA): Swiftwater Tech — 24 hrs
May 23 (Fayetteville, NC): Inland Water Training — 8 hrs
Boat Ops (Lake Robinson): 8 hrs
Aug 7–10 (Muscatatuck): Water Training — 24 hrs
Mar 12, 2025: Paddleboat Operator — 8 hrs

🧰 Outside Training
TEEX — Sr Officials Workshop (8 hrs)
Catholic Charities — Case Work (4 hrs)
Husqvarna — Chainsaw Safety (3 hrs)
SCEMD — Damage Assessment Training (3 hrs)
Tanner Industries — Ammonia Emergency Response (8 hrs)
First Responder Institute — All Day Propane Training (8 hrs)
May 13, 2025 — Railcar Incident Training (8 hrs)

🧪 Exercises
Mock Search (3.5 hrs each)
2/22/2025 — mock search w/ SARTECH testing
4/22/2025 — mock search (office)
5/29/2025 — monthly mock searh
6/28/2025 — mock search (June)
7/22/2025 — monthly mock search
8/26/2025 — mock search (office)
9/23/2025 — Croft State Park
11/21/2025 — Croft (November)

Full Scale Exercise
1/17–1/19 — Carolina SAR Exercise (60 hrs)
3/15/25 — Ham Radio Statewide Exercise (4 hrs)
10/1/25 — GSP Exercise (Reunification & Sheltering) (5 hrs)

Functional Exercise
11/8/25 — EOC Exercise (Full Scale) (4 hrs)

🔁 Recovery / Helene Long-Term Recovery
7 ENS Helene Community Notifications — Spartanburg led the way in SCOR case numbers
AmeriCorps Debris Team (7-person): 3/15–4/4
64 jobs | 140,000 lbs of debris
Team Rubicon: 4/12–4/26 — 31 jobs
Southern Baptist (1 week): 3/16–3/25 — 50+ debris jobs
Lutheran Early Response Team:
10/11–11/1 and 11/17–11/21 — 103 debris projects
LTRG formed: 2/10/25
Secured Mennonite Disaster Service: 1/1/26–3/31/26
With United Way partnership, secured AmeriCorps: 1/8/26–4/16/26
Secured LTRG grants:
American Red Cross $150,000
One SC $175,000
UCC $20,000
Lubrizol $2,500
PDA $5,000
Comporium $2,500
Hired an LTR & Mitigation Specialist via the LTRG
Created Unmet Needs Table (Nov 2025): 4 cases funded
20+ LTRG meetings
1 Case Management class + several seminars
June 9–11 — Shepherd’s Heart Disaster Response Ministry
Began Days of Service for Spartanburg County businesses
Ended 2025 with Shepherd’s Heart returning 12/26 & 12/27 for last debris jobs of the year

🧯 LEPC
4 LEPC meetings
Revman donated twin blankets for forestry wildfire workers
Linde / Contec participated in the GSP Exercise
Days of Service by: Contec, Lubrizol, GSP Airport, IWG High Performance Conductors, Advanced Ceramic, Auriga Polymers

📣 ENS / WEA Notifications (Highlights as logged)
Missing Endangered — Standard ENS — Found
Missing Juvenile — Standard ENS — Parents Located
Shelter in Place
Missing Man (Dementia) — Standard ENS — Located
Statewide Burn Ban — Standard ENS (burn ban still in effect)
Gas Line Rupture
Boil Water Advisory
Missing Person — 9/29 WEA — Found
Fire Danger
Missing Person — 11/1/25 WEA — Located
Missing Person — 8/29/29 WEA — Located (date retained as written)
HELENE: debris / assistance / SCOR / FEMA extended (multiple notifications)
Missing Person — 11/3 WEA — Located
Missing Adult — 10/27 WEA — Located
Missing Person — 9/30 WEA — Located
“Please do not burn”

🏅 Recognition
Mike Brown — CHDS Association — 2025 Alumni Service Award]
Spartanburg EM/CERT — United Way Hurricane Hero Award
CERT91 — J. Mitchell Graham Memorial Award