Driving Restrictions Highly Likely As DEMA Urges Public Preparedness
(SMYRNA, Del.) – Governor Matthew Meyer has declared a State of Emergency as of 12 p.m. today in anticipation of the impending winter storm. The State of Emergency will allow for the mobilization of statewide resources needed to prepare for and respond to this storm, including the activation of the Delaware National Guard.
“I’m declaring a State of Emergency and activating every available state resource to ensure Delawareans are protected as this blizzard blankets our communities, including increased risks for coastal flooding,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Prepare now, please stay off the roads once the storm begins, and look out for your neighbors. We will continue working around the clock to keep every Delawarean safe.”
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has been activated at an Enhanced Watch level since Saturday morning in advance of the upcoming winter snowstorm and is slated for Full Activation beginning Sunday at 5:00 p.m. DEMA is joined by partners at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and virtually, such as the National Guard, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Delaware State Police (DSP), National Weather Service (NWS), local Counties and the Governor’s office, to coordinate response efforts. The Joint Information Center (JIC) has also been activated.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Warning for all of Delaware from Saturday to Monday. Confidence remains high that a potentially historic winter storm will impact the area through Monday bringing anticipated snow fall totals of 12 to 20 inches. Widespread closures and impacts to infrastructure likely.
Visit NWS’ Winter Weather Dashboard that details the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware.
Delawareans should also anticipate the issuance of state-mandated Driving Restrictions. Three levels of Driving Restrictions (below) are designed to keep motorists and emergency responders safe by minimizing nonessential travel during periods of severe weather and perilous road conditions.
• Level 1 Driving Warning – Avoid traveling on roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so. All motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution.
• Level 2 Driving Restriction – No person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as “essential personnel.” Travel on roadways restricted to essential personnel; emergency workers, first responders, health care and designated persons already approved through DEMA’s State of Emergency Driving Waiver Program.
• Level 3 Driving Ban – Travel on roadways restricted to emergency workers, first responders, health care workers, utility workers, snow removal operators, or private sector flood and fuel deliveries.
DEMA urges the public to sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions, and to prepare homes and vehicles today ahead of the incoming storm Saturday evening. The recommendations are to stock up on household essentials including non-perishable food and water, prescription medications, first aid supplies, flashlights, batter- powered radios and more, and to check in with elderly neighbors and relatives to ensure all have a plan for safety. Automotive preparedness includes a full tank of gas, topped off fluids, working breaks and wipers, jumper cables, blankets, scrapers and the like. Visit PrepareDE.org for full lists of emergency items for the home and car. Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app. which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions.
DEMA offers the following safety tips and resources to prepare in advance of any storm.
Winter Preparedness:
1. Build a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit. Learn how at PrepareDE.org.
2. Dress in layers appropriate for the conditions and learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
3. Prepare your home and car for extreme cold temperatures, such as weatherproofing your house and winterizing your vehicle by checking or replacing lights, tires, wiper blades, and other items. https://preparede.org/emergency-types/natural-hazards/#winter-storms
4. Bring pets or animals in during winter storms and freezing temperatures and stock pet supplies.
5. Preparedness takes a team: “buddy up” to help those with access and functional needs.
Winter Driving Safety Tips:
1. Stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings.
2. Register your mobile numbers with the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions in Delaware.
3. Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app. which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions.
4. In inclement weather, stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
5. For disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, call 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379 to reach the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) Transportation Management Center (TMC). For general information, call 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600.
Automotive Safety:
1. Check your tires and windshield wipers and replace if needed.
2. Make sure that windshields are completely clear of snow and clear snow from the tops of vehicles and the beds of pickup trucks.
3. Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
4. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of their vehicle.
5. Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you. Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than high beams.
6. Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
7. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see. Reduce your speed.
8. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way. Take precautions such as allowing for extra reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or traffic light.
9. Never pass a snowplow.
10. Always wear your seatbelt.
The National Weather Service-Mount Holly (NWS) issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area. Learn more: ArriveAliveDE.com | PrepareDE.org
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for 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 authorized by Delaware Code.
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