Delaware News

Flag Status - FULL STAFF

September is Preparedness Month in Delaware

Delaware Emergency Management Agency | Department of Safety and Homeland Security | News | Date Posted: Thursday, September 15, 2022

Listen

Family Emergency Preparedness Day on Sept. 17 and new PrepareDE.org website

SMYRNA, Del. – Governor Carney has declared September as Preparedness Month in Delaware to urge everyone to “make a plan, build a kit, stay informed” and take steps to be prepared for emergencies.

For the first time since 2019, the public is invited to join more than 35 organizations at “Family Emergency Preparedness Day” in Camden’s Brecknock Park on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event highlights public safety and readiness planning in a fun, family environment with activities, food, games, and demonstrations.

Also this month, the PrepareDE.org website has relaunched with a new, mobile-friendly design featuring bright colors, easy-to-navigate sections, and a wealth of resources and fact sheets to help families get ready for almost any emergency. PrepareDE.org is a cooperative effort by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Citizen Corps, and the DHSS Division of Public Health Office of Preparedness.

Resources and information are grouped into major categories with step-by-step sections and guides:

√ Make a Plan – Information on Basic Emergency Plans, Plans for Seniors and those with Special Needs, Communication and Evacuation Plans, Plans for Pets, and Additional Plans

√ Build a Kit – Information on Emergency Shelter-in-Place kit (for extended home stays), Go-Bags (for immediate evacuation), First Aid Kits, Vehicle Kits, and Pet Kits.

√ Stay Informed – Sign Up for Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS), Download the FEMA App or DelDOT App, Register for Smart 911 alerts, and Monitor radio and TV media.

√ Emergency Types – Learn about the different disasters that can happen and how to prepare.

√ Volunteer, Get Involved – Learn about the Community Emergency Response Team and many other volunteer organizations that serve Delaware.

FEMA National Household Survey

The theme for 2022 National Preparedness Month is “A Lasting Legacy,” which reminds everyone being prepared is a way to protect their lives and property and help ensure a legacy for future generations.

Each year, FEMA conducts a National Household Survey to measure household preparedness.

Less than half of all respondents in the last survey, 44 percent, felt they were prepared for a disaster.

Key findings:

Awareness – 92 percent had seen or heard disaster preparedness information (highest ever)
Experience – 54 percent had personal or family experience with disasters (highest ever)
Efficacy – 40 percent were confident in their ability to prepare (drop from 47 percent)
Perception – 76 percent believed a disaster might impact them (drop from 98 percent)

The NHS study showed 59 percent had taken three or more of 12 preparedness actions, while 89 percent had taken at least one.

The key takeaway was “those who have taken at least one action were more likely to take additional actions.”

What to Do: 12 Preparedness Actions:

Assemble or update supplies
Document and insure property
Got involved in the community
Know evacuation routes
Make a plan
Make the home safer
Plan with neighbors
Practice emergency drills
Safeguard documents
Save for a rainy day
Sign up for alerts and warnings
Test a family communication plan

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram

###

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.