Berkeley County Homeland Security and Emergency Management is responsible for managing activities that aim to reduce the loss and lives and property and protect the environment from the effects of natural or man-made disasters, catastrophes, or terrorist threats through prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

In the event of a disaster Berkeley County Homeland Security and Emergency Management coordinates all components of the emergency management system. These components may include fire and rescue, law enforcement, emergency medical services, public works and other groups involved in emergency activities.
Other duties of Berkeley County Homeland Security and Emergency Management include working with organizations and government agencies, informing the chief elected official of emergency activities, identifying and analyzing potential impacts of hazards, conducting risk and hazard assessments, identifying personnel and resources that would be available in an emergency, identifying and work to resolve resource deficiencies, develop and carry out public awareness and education programs and alerting officials and the public in the event of an emergency disaster.

Berkeley County Homeland Security and Emergency Management is responsible for advisement, notification and assembly of services that are in the best interest of the citizens of Berkeley County.

In addition, Berkeley County Homeland Security and Emergency Management provides staffing, known as Berkeley County Fire, with personnel trained in fire and rescue operations, emergency medical skills, hazardous material response and swift water rescue to assists the volunteer fire departments in Berkeley County.