South Carolina Home Security and Safety Resources

Emergencies, crime incidents (like burglaries), and other worrisome events don’t usually come with a lot of warning. That's why we encourage everyone to be proactive about safety and security—at home and in your community. To help you stay safe in South Carolina, we’ve put together this list of local and statewide resources to make sure you know where to turn before the unexpected happens.

Crime prevention

South Carolina Department of Corrections

South Carolina Association of Crime Prevention

South Carolina Crime Stoppers Council

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

City crime prevention

Charleston Police Department

Mount Pleasant Police Department

Midlands Crimestoppers

Crime Stoppers of Lowcountry

Neighborhood watch

Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Crime Watch Program

Rock Hill Neighborhood Empowerment

Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Crime Watch Program

Emergency preparedness

The South Carolina Baptist Convention: Disaster Relief

South Carolina Dept. of Social Services

The Salvation Army Carolinas Division

South Carolina Emergency Management Division

Fire safety

North Charleston Fire Department

South Carolina Fire and Safety Education Association

Columbia Fire Department

Rock Hill Fire Department

South Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal

General safety

South Carolina Department of Public Safety

National Safety Council: South Carolina Chapter

South Carolina Department of Insurance: Safe Home

Safe Routes to School

Child abuse prevention

Children’s Trust of South Carolina

South Carolina Dept. of Social Services

South Carolina Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers

South Carolina First Steps

Keeping Pee Dee Kids Safe at Home

Domestic violence

South Carolina Victim Assistance Network

South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

South Carolina Attorney General: S.T.O.P Violence Against Women Program

Sistercare, Inc.

Domestic Violence Assistance

See the Safest Cities in South Carolina report for more information on crime statistics across the state.

In the United States, homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized. Burglars want to get in and out with minimum hassle—why risk getting caught by a security system when they could just move onto the next house? Security systems send a message to burglars that your home is not to be trifled with.

With the smart home features available today, it’s easy to monitor the happenings in your home whether you’re sitting on your sofa or out running errands. Look into handy features like remote activation of your security system, control of your lighting and appliances, and live video streaming to your phone.

Don’t forget to take care of the obvious. Always lock your doors, and leave a spare key with a friend or neighbor (instead of under a flower pot or doormat). Don’t forget to close your windows at night or when you’re out. Trim bushes lining your home to eliminate hiding places, and invest in outdoor lighting to keep dark spots near your home entrances visible.

Strengthening the security of your neighborhood can start with getting to know your neighbors. You might find friends who can watch your place when you’re away, look out for a lost pet, help solve package theft mysteries, or aid in an emergency. And you can work together to build safety resources your community needs.

Avoid announcing specific vacation plans on social media or making it clear that the house is empty. To maintain a lived-in appearance, stop the mail and newspapers before you leave, and set indoor lights on variable timers. Let trusted neighbors know you’ll be gone; consider asking them to park their car in your driveway or make footprints in the snow (if it’s winter).

• The State of Safety in the United States
• How to Choose a Security System
• The Beginner’s Guide to Security Cameras
• Home Safety and Security Checklist
• 20 Things You’ll Need for Your First Home