Delaware Receives Emergency Management Performance Grants

 (Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has received more than $3.2 million from the federal government in Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG).  The goal of the EMPG program is to assist communities in sustaining all-hazards emergency management capabilities.

While some funding will be used by DEMA, sub-recipients of the grant funding are the City of Wilmington, Sussex, Kent, and New Castle County Emergency Management Agencies, the Delaware Department of Education, the Delaware Geological Survey, and the University of Delaware’s Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS).

There are five priorities for FY17:

  • Identifying and assessing risk and estimating capability requirements by maintaining the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment, and State Preparedness Report
  • Building and sustaining Core Capabilities
  • Continuing the implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
  • Maintaining or revising Emergency Operations Plans
  • Developing and maintaining multi-year training and exercise plans.

DEMA conducts smaller quarterly exercises and an annual full-scale exercise as required during a 12-month period.  DEMA also offers training courses designed by FEMA that enhance individual abilities to work in emergency preparedness and response.

The funding supports efforts to strengthen state and local preparedness and the capabilities of public and private agencies to respond to emergencies.  Recipients of EMPG funding are required to provide a cost-share 50% match.  The deadline for funding use is September 30, 2018.


DPH Encourages Residents to Prepare Now for Emergencies as Peak Hurricane Season Begins

DOVER – In the Northern Atlantic Ocean, hurricane season occurs from June 1 to November 30, sharply peaking from late August through late October. Though Delaware has never experienced a direct hit from a hurricane, it has experienced impacts from some passing by, and just as often, the intense effects from tropical storms and nor’easters. The impact of Hurricane Harvey in Texas is a tragic example of how rain—even after a hurricane is over—can cause catastrophic loss of life and damage. Hazards from hurricanes and other storms include storm surge and severe flooding, along with high winds. These weather impacts can affect your drinking water, your ability to remain in your home, and your pets’ safety as well. If a hurricane or significant storm were on track to hit Delaware, would you know what to do?

The Division of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging everyone to prepare and make your plans now so that you’re ready in the event of a natural disaster or other type of emergency. Visit PrepareDE.org to get started. The website provides information about different types of disasters, such as damaging storms, flooding, severe heat or cold events, chemical leaks, and terrorist attacks. It also starts you on the right track to prepare with the below four basic steps:

  • Make a Plan: The site provides communication plan templates for parents and a separate one for children, commuters, pets and evacuations. Most importantly, practice your plan.
  • Make a Kit: After a major disaster, relief workers will be on the scene, but it may take time for them to get to you. You should prepare to take care of yourself and your family for up to three days by making emergency kits and a go bag. Here you’ll find out how much food, water, and what other supplies you’ll need to keep on hand to keep your family going.
  • Stay Informed: The Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) is the primary system for public warning and emergency protective action information in Delaware. The system allows local 911 centers or emergency managers to send messages to the specific street, neighborhood, or larger areas affected by the event. Register for DENS at PrepareDE.org.
  • Access Resources: This page contains videos showing you how to make a plan, a kit and lists training opportunities available to you.

During a hurricane or strong Atlantic storm, flooding could make drinking water unsafe, and high winds may take out power. DPH wants you to keep the following tips in mind before any potential problems arise:

Persons With Complex Needs
DPH recommends printing out a copy of the “Preparedness Buddy” brochure, and filling it out. This downloadable and printable brochure is a great template for helping people with access and functional needs to identify a Preparedness Buddy to help them prepare to manage through emergencies and develop a personal emergency plan. The brochure asks you to list such important information as medications you are taking, food and drug allergies, medical supplies and equipment, medical and personal caregivers or disability service providers, primary care physician, communication and mobility challenges, and your specific transportation needs. A copy of the completed brochure should go to your Buddy so they are prepared in case of an emergency to assist you. You should also identify and send a copy of the brochure to an out-of-state Preparedness Buddy. The Preparedness Buddy brochure can be found online at http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/php/preparednessbuddy.html in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.

Food Safety
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends stocking a three-day supply of non-perishable food. If you lose electrical power, be very cautious with refrigerated foods. Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40 degrees F for two or more hours.

If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish or eggs kept at safe temperatures, cook the food thoroughly to the proper temperature to kill bacteria. Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. Discard canned foods with swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or dents that prevent normal stacking or opening.

Safe Drinking Water
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water. FEMA recommends stocking one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation. If you are advised to boil your drinking water, heat water at the highest possible temperature so that it bubbles constantly (a rolling boil). Continue to boil water for one minute, and then let it cool. Store in clean, covered containers. Residents can also disinfect water using household bleach. Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before using it. Bottled water is another safe alternative.

For bottle feeding infants, use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated or powdered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local tap water source is potentially contaminated. Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.

For information on safe drinking water, visit the DPH website at http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/i-floodrecovery.html.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide
A common source of fatalities during and after storms is carbon monoxide poisoning. Released from gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves, grills, lanterns and charcoal-burning devices are designed for outdoor use only. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can be lethal at high levels. If combustion devices are used indoors, dangerous CO levels can build up rapidly with no warning. Never use them inside and always ensure that any outside use is well-ventilated.

Pet Safety
Create an emergency pet supply kit in a waterproof tote. Include enough food, water, medications or other necessities for each of your pets to last at least three days. Also include a copy of your pet’s medical records so you will have everything you need to sustain your pets in the event you and your pets need to evacuate quickly in an emergency. Pets should be wearing collars with tags that include your address and phone number.

Identify a safe room in your home for you and your pets, away from windows. Create a comfortable area for your pets with bedding and toys. If necessary, separate dogs and cats within the room or in separate rooms to minimize stress or conflict.

Bring all your pets inside immediately at the first sign or warning of a storm or severe weather, and keep them inside with you. Pets can become frightened, run away or hide during severe weather. As a result, they can become lost, injured or killed. Take precautions to ensure your pets are not able to exit the home without supervision.

September is National Preparedness Month. For more information about emergency preparedness throughout the year, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Power of Preparedness webpage. Also stay up to date on social media @CDCemergency or by searching #NatlPrep. You can also Support the Thunderclap for #SafeAndWellSelfie which invites you to take a #SafeAndWellSelfie with your family—pets included—at an emergency meeting place. Participation is easy:

1. Identify an emergency meeting place in your neighborhood.
2. Have a fire drill—evacuate your home and go to the meeting place.
3. Take a selfie and post it to Twitter and/or Facebook with the hashtag #SafeAndWellSelfie.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


EVENT CHANGE OF VENUE: “First People of the First State: 12,000 Years, 300 Years and One Year” program in Dover, Del. on Sept. 2, 2017 moved indoors due to inclement weather

(DOVER, Del.—Aug. 31, 2017)—Due to anticipated heavy rain on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, the venue for the program “First People of the First State: 12,000 Years, 300 Years and One Year” has been moved from outdoors on the Dover Green to indoors at The Old State House. Following is updated information on the event:

Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017
“First People of the First State: 12,000 Years, 300 Years and One Year.”
Seventh annual event featuring the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware as they celebrate their heritage and the first anniversary of their formal recognition as a tribe by the State of Delaware. Programs feature singing, drumming, dancing and demonstrations. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Grand entry at Noon. Programs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


State of Delaware, City of Wilmington Collaborate on Mobile Jobs Unit in Wilmington

Department of Labor bus will connect Wilmington residents with job-seeking resources in their communities

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and Delaware Labor Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson announced a new initiative on Wednesday to send employment services teams into various communities in Wilmington using a specially-equipped bus dubbed the Mobile One-Stop (MOS) unit.

Dispatching the 40-foot Department of Labor office on wheels also will increase awareness about the agency’s services for job seekers and employers – bringing these valuable resources to Delawareans in their communities. The bus is equipped with 10 computer workstations, a monitor to display presentations, wireless internet access, and a printer. On board, Delaware Department of Labor employees are ready to assist clients with job searches, resume building, and work training enrollment.

Labor employees on board also can answer questions about the many services offered by the agency.

“We are working hard to make sure that Delaware’s economy works for all Delawareans. Often, that means connecting Delawareans with jobs resources that will help them find good-paying work,” said Governor Carney. “Through this mobile jobs unit, the Department of Labor is getting out into the communities we serve, and meeting Delawareans where they live. This initiative also is one of many examples of how we are working across agencies, with the City of Wilmington, to improve our economy and quality of life for residents in our largest city. Thank you to Mayor Purzycki and Secretary Gilliam-Johnson for their leadership.”

The mobile jobs unit will be dispatched in the City of Wilmington through October to assist Wilmington residents in their job searches. There are currently 2,560 unemployed Wilmington residents actively seeking work. And though 11.6% is Wilmington’s contribution to the county’s labor force of 15,040, the city represents 16.6% of the unemployed.

“This is serious and we have to do something about it,” said Dr. Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Many of the problems Wilmington residents face today can be linked to unemployment, and in order to get to a solution, we have to make meaningful connections with those seeking work, erase this inherent sense of hopelessness that exists, and present them with real and viable opportunities.”

This year, the bus has been deployed at a community block party in South Bridge, is scheduled to make weekly visits to Wilmington’s Safe Haven Community Centers and, until the end of October. will deploy regularly at the Rodney Square Downtown Visions Farmer’s Market on Wednesday afternoons.

“We want to educate Wilmington residents about employment services that are available through the State Labor Department, and to help job seekers more easily access those services,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Given that a lack of transportation can be a huge obstacle for someone who is unemployed, we need to make it easier for residents by bringing those services to the people who need them the most – meeting people where they are and where they live.”

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Find the Mobile One-Stop bus:

Latin American Community Center
Wednesday, September 6 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 7 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
403 N Van Buren St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

West End Neighborhood Home
Tuesday, September 19, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, September 20, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
710 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

Hilltop Lutheran Center
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
1018 W 6th St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Fraim Boys and Girls Club
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
669 S. Union St. Wilmington, DE

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Related news:
Governor Carney Takes Steps to Restructure Economic Development, Create Jobs
Governor Carney Announces Statewide Jobs & Economy Tour
Governor Carney Signs House Bill 190 to Modernize the Coastal Zone Act
Governor Carney Named to NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee


New Delaware Certificate of Multiliteracy recognizes advanced language skills

Delaware has developed a new Certificate of Multiliteracy to honor and recognize students with high levels of language proficiency in addition to English, Secretary of Education Susan Bunting announced today.

 

The certificate applauds students for attaining high levels of language proficiency in multiple languages and also values native language proficiency for the 11,000 English learners in Delaware.

 

Students can use the certificate as a credential to help differentiate them as applicants for jobs, college entrance or the military.

 

“Delaware recognizes the hard work that goes into learning more than one language and we want to make it easier for employers and institutes of higher education to identify those who offer such valuable skills,” Bunting said. “This certificate will help students promote their talents and also create a tangible reminder to all of us of the benefits of multilingualism.”

 

Representative Joe Miro was the prime sponsor of Delaware’s Certificate of Multiliteracy bill, which was established by House Joint Resolution (HJR) 4 and signed by Delaware Governor John Carney on July 21. HJR 4 directs the Delaware Department of Education to establish the criteria and the process for awarding the certificates by August 30, 2017.

 

“Delaware understands the value of encouraging students to learn new languages and immerse themselves in other cultures,” said Governor John Carney. “We appreciate the hard work of our state legislators to establish Delaware’s Certificate of Multiliteracy and we are excited for Delaware students to have such an advantage as they enter college and the workforce.”

 

Delaware’s Certificate of Multiliteracy is modeled after the national Seal of Biliteracy, which is a national effort to have all states to recognize the importance of language learning as a critical career and workplace skill.

 

“Delaware’s Certificate of Multiliteracy is a remarkable and encouraging step toward recognizing the arduous linguistic and academic effort all students – particularly our DE English Learners – invest in our schools,” said Oribel McFann-Mora, President of Delaware English Language Learners Teachers and Advocates (DELLTA). “Moreover, may our English learners’ amazing multilingual abilities be officially recognized as assets henceforth and the rule rather than the exception.”

 

Delaware is the 26th state in the country to establish an award that honors and recognizes students with high levels of proficiency in languages in addition to English.

 

“World Languages today play such a crucial role in our 21st century global society.  If we want our future leaders to be college and career ready, we need to arm them for linguistic and cultural success as well,” said Jennifer Short, a Spanish teacher at Dickinson High School in the Red Clay Consolidated School District and the Vice President of the Delaware Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (DECTFL).

 

“Granting Delaware students the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages by awarding them the Certificate of Multiliteracy can only make them more marketable and attractive for whatever they plan to do after high school,” Short said.

 

Media Contact: Susan Haberstroh, susan.haberstroh@doe.k12.de.us, (302) 735-4003