Hurricane Helene: Public Health Department Closures

Latest updates: Hurricane Helene

Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.

Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.

Vital Records Office Closures

Aiken and Beaufort Vital Records locations are closed due to Hurricane Helene. DPH is working to reopen these locations. Individuals can receive services online, by phone or at nearby health departments.

We understand the significance of this issue and will provide an update as soon as possible.

Certificates for deaths that occur in South Carolina must be filed electronically with the S.C. Department of Public Health.

Why?

In 2022, the South Carolina General Assembly passed S.C. H3325 which requires funeral homes and medical certifiers to complete, certify and file death certificates electronically.

Exemptions

The law provides only for an exemption when a family member is handling the disposition of the body for a friend or relative without compensation (called a "Natural Burial").  In such cases, the medical certification must still be submitted electronically.

How to Access Electronic Filing System & Training

Funeral directors and medical certifiers who have not previously used the DPH electronic system to file death certifies will need to:

  • Obtain a user ID
  • Receive training on how to use the system to file death records.

You can click here to access the Web Deaths portal.

Call 1-803-898-3630 to request access and training. Our staff will gather basic information from you when you call, and a field consultant will follow-up to schedule your training and provide details.

For more information contact vitalrecords@dph.sc.gov.

Tags
Web Death System
Statewide