SMYRNA, Del. – In anticipation of the upcoming hurricane season, June 1st to November 30th, 2025, Governor Matt Meyer has Proclaimed May 26th to May 30th as Hurricane Preparedness Week. In support of this, The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), along with state, county and local agencies are helping communities mitigate against threats to public safety posed by hurricanes and other tropical storms.

The World Meteorological Organization confirmed 2024 as the warmest on record, capping ten straight years of record-breaking rising land, ocean and sea surface temperatures. The continued impact of climate change, above normal temperatures and precipitation along with rising sea levels, places the low-lying state of Delaware at particular risk for potential loss of life and significant damage to property and infrastructure. Heavy rains and storm surges, gale-force winds and flooding from severe weather events can have a devastating impact on coastal and inland communities. Water poses the biggest risk for loss of life, and storm surge is the leading cause of all hurricane-related fatalities, followed by inland flooding due to excessive rainfall.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season will deliver higher than average activity with an above average likelihood of major hurricane landfall along the Eastern Coast of the United States. With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, there also remains the possibility of a named storm developing ahead of the official start of the season. In seven of the last 10 years, at least one named storm has formed before June 1. By way of comparison, there were only three years with early named storms between 2005 to 2014. This year Colorado State University predicts 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes (category three or higher) which is greater than the 30-year average for hurricanes and storms.

As hurricane activity increases in both frequency and intensity, related storm surges and flooding threaten public safety, homes and businesses. DEMA urges everyone to visit www.PrepareDE.org for resources on how to successfully weather this year’s hurricane season.

“The time to mitigate against storm-related damage is before Hurricane season begins,” said A.J Schall, Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director. “PrepareDe.org empowers everyone to plan for all potentialities by being informed and storm ready. While the fallout from extreme weather can be unpredictable, there are simple ways everyone can plan for the unexpected – have a meetup plan for families that kids understand; shore up your home, windows, and landscaped environments; review, print and back up insurance documents, and make a go bag with basic necessities. Always follow evacuation orders and check in with your neighbors and the elderly who may need assistance in emergency situations.”

MAKE A PLAN: preparede.org/make-a-plan

• Information is power. Find your evacuation zone at Know Your Zone or flood risk with the Flood Planning Tool.

• Protect your family and home with flood insurance. Most homeowner policies do not cover flooding, and a policy can take up to 30 days to go into effect. Learn more at Floodsmart.gov.

• Hurricane housekeeping means decluttering drains and gutters; inspecting and trimming trees and dead limbs in addition to securing loose items.

• Plan what to do if a hurricane is coming, how to contact and reunite with family, and know your county emergency plans (see Resources).

• Practice makes prepared! Once you have a plan, review it to ensure everyone knows what to do. Include children in your plan and help them practice it. Read Prepare with Pedro at ready.gov.

• Account for seniors and those with special needs with the DHSS Office of Preparedness and its Preparedness Buddy. The University of Delaware has additional resources at allreadyde.org/

• Because Pets are our family, access resources at the Office of Animal Welfare and Delaware Animal Response Program.

BUILD A KIT: preparede.org/build-a-kit.

• Gather supplies for at least one week for each family member of non-perishable food, water, medications, infant formula, and diapers for small children. This includes Pet supplies like extra food and water, carriers, pet meds and other items they may need.

• Include a first aid kit, flashlights, radios, matches in a waterproof container, and batteries.

• Keep a small amount of cash, in the event that ATMs are not working.

• Consider a generator or other backup. Only use a generator OUTDOORS and away from windows.

• Have a cell phone power bank or portable car charger and charge phones beforehand.

• Make sure gasoline tanks are filled and replenish propane tanks for outdoor grills.

• Check on neighbors to ensure they are safe, prepared and have the necessary supplies.

• Review insurance coverage and document property with photographs in case of an insurance claim.

• Make secure digital copies of all documents and keep original documents in a safe, waterproof container in case of power and communication outages.

STAY INFORMED: preparede.org/stay-informed.

• Sign up for emergency alerts through the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS). If an evacuation notice is issued, it will be sent by text, phone call, email, and social media.

• Download the FEMA app to receive National Weather Service alerts for up to three locations.

• Tune in to Local TV or radio to learn about storms and potential evacuations for your specific zone.

RESOURCES:

• DelDOT State Evacuation Routes (powered by ArcGIS)

• DelDOT Mobile Phone App – FREE

• FEMA Mobile Phone App – FREE

• FEMA General Hurricane Information

• FEMA General Evacuation Information

• Delaware Emergency Management Agency

• NOAA National Hurricane Center Hurricane Tracker

• NOAA National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness

• HurricaneStrong.org

• City of Wilmington Office of Emergency Management

• New Castle County Office of Emergency Management

• Kent County Emergency Management

• Sussex County Emergency Operations Center

ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for the coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base, and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and is authorized by the Delaware Code.

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