Beau Biden was a truly gifted public servant, and one of the very best I have ever worked with. As our attorney general, Beau always let the truth and the best interests of the people of Delaware guide his decisions, even when those decisions were not popular. Beau’s caring and compassion for the lives he touched were a bright beacon that cut through the cynicism that has become so common in American politics. His legacy as a leader of our state will be measured not just by all the important things he accomplished, but by the uniquely genuine way he accomplished them.

– Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock

(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) reminds residents that hurricane season along the Atlantic coast begins on Sunday, June 1^st, and runs through the end of November.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center says there is a 70% chance that the Atlantic hurricane season will bring six to eleven named storms, and that three to six will become hurricanes with two of them coming between categories 3 and 5.

While the prediction is for a below-normal season, forecasters cannot predict exactly where any of the anticipated storms will impact the Atlantic coast.  The time to prepare for seasonal storms is now, before a storm arrives.  Preparatory actions taken in advance will help save lives and property if a tropical storm or hurricane affects Delaware in 2015.

Emergency Preparedness kits should be in every household. The basics of food, water, and supplies should be included.  Important information such as insurance policies and physician phone numbers need to also be included.  Power outages may render credit cards and ATMs useless so a supply of cash should be in the emergency kit.

Residents of coastal or flood-prone areas need to have an evacuation plan.  Make arrangements now to stay away from the affected areas with friends or relatives, or at a hotel.  If a shelter is the only option, make sure to have the basic supplies for a few days in the shelter.  Take sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and personal hygiene supplies.  If sheltering with children, games that do not require batteries and books can help pass the time.  Baby foods and diapers should be included if appropriate.

Home supplies include water – at least a gallon per day for a minimum of three days.  Food supplies should include at least a three-day supply of non-perishable items.  Since there may be power outages that could last for several days following a storm, it is a good idea to stock canned foods, dry mixes, and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water, or special preparation.  Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils.  Paper plates and plastic utensils are disposable and do not require washing.  Make sure to refill prescriptions that are about to expire before the storm arrives, as pharmacies may be closed due to power outages.

For a listing of supplies that should be part of an emergency kit, go online to www.ready.gov and click on “Build a Kit”.

Families should prepare a communication plan since members may be separated during the storm.  The communication plan may include a means of letting friends and relatives know that people have arrived safely at their destination in the event of an evacuation.

An emergency kit containing the recommended items is ready for use in all types of emergencies, including hurricanes and tropical storms.  Regular utilities such as electricity, gas, sewage treatment, and telephone service, may be unavailable for several days, so the emergency kit will help people get through any outages.

For more tips on how to prepare your family and home for tropical storms or hurricanes, log on to http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

Wilmington – In his weekly message , Governor Markell highlights additional efforts to provide Delawareans with access to ongoing education and jobs training.    

“Earlier this week, we announced Delaware’s participation in the Generation USA youth employment project, and this fall we’ll launch the Delaware Tech Hire initiative,” said Governor Markell. “These initiatives build on efforts like our Pathways to Prosperity initiative, which allows high school students to earn workplace experience and college credit in high-demand fields before they graduate, giving them a head start on getting a job and earning a degree. By rethinking the state’s approach to workforce training and building partnerships between employers and our schools, we’ll provide more opportunities for our workers to gain the skills that they need, and that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:  

YouTube: https://youtu.be/0cVvdA1Luso
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Building a Strong Workforce to Meet the Demands of Growing Industries

In an increasingly competitive global economy, building a strong workforce requires ongoing access to the education and job training that we need so that every Delawarean has the chance to reach their full potential. That’s why the state has worked so hard to build partnerships between schools, colleges and businesses to ensure that more workers have access to the skills that they need to meet the demands of growing industries—and we have made good progress.

Earlier this week, we announced Delaware’s participation in the Generation USA youth employment project. Working with the McKinsey Social Initiative, this program brings together health care providers with not-for-profits and Delaware Tech to provide young adults with accelerated training as certified nursing assistants. Those who complete the 8-week program, pass a certification test and interview successfully are guaranteed jobs with Delaware employers. And this fall we’ll launch the Delaware Tech Hire initiative, which provides new opportunities for workers to gain certifications for Information Technology jobs.

Several of Delaware’s largest employers, like JP Morgan Chase, Barclays, Capital One, and Bank of America have joined the Tech Hire partnership to provide those who successfully complete the program and pass the certification test with a paid apprenticeship. These initiatives build on efforts like our Pathways to Prosperity initiative, which allows high school students to earn workplace experience and college credit in high-demand fields before they graduate, giving them a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

By rethinking the state’s approach to workforce training and building partnerships between employers and our schools, we’ll provide more opportunities for our workers to gain the skills that they need. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.