Dense Fog Advisory issued December 17 at 3:14PM EST until December 17 at 6:00PM EST by NWS Mount Holly NJ

Event : Dense Fog Advisory
Description : * WHAT…Areas of dense fog.

* VISIBILITIES…One quarter mile or less at times.

* WHERE…Portions of southern New Jersey, eastern Maryland, and
Delaware.

* WHEN…Until 6 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS…Limited visibilities will make travel very difficult.

Instruction : If driving, slow down, use your headlights, and leave plenty of
distance ahead of you.


Winter Weather Awareness Week Begins November 11

(Smyrna) – Every year, winter weather conditions cause deaths, injuries, and illnesses in Delaware, and throughout the United States.  Awareness of the various hazards and ways to deal with them can make a large difference in how people are impacted.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is partnering with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, NJ, multiple state agencies, the Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis at the University of Delaware, and the City of Wilmington, among others.   During Winter Weather Awareness Week, participating agencies and organizations will provide information via social media and other venues, explaining the hazards associated with various types of winter hazards or conditions (snow, ice, extreme cold, fire safety, and pet safety), how to prepare for them, and how to stay safe during weather extremes.

Increased awareness of the dangers presented by winter weather extremes can lead to better preparedness and a better way to avoid becoming a victim of severe conditions.  As we begin to experience some of the colder temperatures this week, the public is reminded that cold temperatures bring about conditions that create hazards to health and safety.


2/11/19: State offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m.

Monday, February 11, 2019 – 5:00 AM

Due to icy conditions on the roadways, State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Motorists may monitor real-time conditions, snow plow activity, and traffic cameras by using DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded free. Search for “DelDOT” in the Apple and Google Play stores. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

For answers to commonly asked questions during a storm event, please visit DelDOT’s Frequently Asked Questions for Snow Removal online at:

https://www.deldot.gov/About/faqs/index.shtml?dc=snowFAQ

 


COLD DAYS…. WARM HEARTS…

Dover, Delaware-January 2019 – Help us give a child that is homeless or in foster care a warm hug! Cold weather is still in the forecast and everyone deserves to stay warm. Who doesn’t like getting a hug or knowing that someone cares?

The GACEC and its community Partners are doing just that for the children of Delaware who are homeless or in foster care. This year we have been privileged to partner with many organizations and individuals who have given generously. For the fifth year Operation Warm has donated cases of coats totaling around 800 to the cause. I Heart Media had also been an invaluable partner, helping raise awareness of the need and bringing in many more drop off locations throughout the state. We are grateful to once again have received generous donations of hundreds of handmade blankets from Kozy Kovers for Kids and Fleece for Keeps.

Wendy Strauss, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens, shared “It’s hard for children to learn when their basic needs aren’t even met. We want to ensure that they have the opportunity to stay warm and feel loved regardless of their situation. It is always so heartwarming knowing that Delaware residents always come through and give so generously to those in need. We truly are connecting hearts and collecting hugs for those in need.”

Donations of socks, sweatshirts and sweatpants, warm pajamas and toiletry items are still greatly needed. These items are in short supply for this year’s drive. If you can help please consider donating today.
Drop-off points are located throughout the state and may be found on the homepage of the GACEC at http://gacec.delaware.gov. Contact the GACEC at (302) 739-4553 or Sybil Brown, GACEC Administrative Coordinator Sybil.brown@gacec.k12.de.us for additional information.


Warm Clothing Drive Once Again Collecting Hugs and Connecting Hearts for Delaware’s Children

The Governor’s Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens (GACEC) and its community partners, are pleased to report that the Heart 2 Heart Hugs campaign has now begun. Heart 2 Heart Hugs is focused on providing warmth, comfort, hugs and smiles for kids and young adults in Delaware who are homeless or in foster care. Donations of “hugs” (to include new or handmade coats, blankets, scarves, gloves, fleece items, monetary donations and more) will continue until February 2019 for this year’s effort.

The GACEC has received tremendous support not only from individuals within the community, but from area businesses, state agencies and other organizations as well. Most recently the Twisted Stitchers crocheting group that meets at Dover’s Modern Maturity Center donated many large bags of beautiful handmade items. In October the program was blessed with another large donation of handmade items from the Care Wear project that is part of Volunteer Delaware.

Statistics from the Delaware Department of Education (DOE) show that in the 2017-18 school year, there were 21,168 students receiving special education services. Roughly one third of those students are homeless or in foster care. Homelessness impacts children and the State of Delaware in many ways. Health issues, food security and educational proficiency are areas that the report uses to show how great the needs are for children who are homeless. Wendy Strauss, executive director of the GACEC stated that “…this project connects hearts and collects hugs for our children in foster care and for our children who are homeless.

Programs like this let our children know that we are thinking about them and we care for them.” Dover Mayor, Robin R. Christiansen commented during his remarks at the Kickoff Event, held November 29th at Central Middle School, “Every one of us can make a difference in the lives of someone who is not as fortunate as we are, and we should strive to do that daily.” Secretary Josette Manning of the Division of Services for Children Youth and their Families (DSCYF) spoke about the blessing that this program is to those experiencing placement in foster care or homelessness. “Often the transition to foster care is a move that is quick and traumatic for the children, having something of their very own at a new place can be such a comfort.” Wendy Strauss concluded the kickoff by reminding everyone to connect hearts and collect hugs for our children who are homeless or in foster care across the State. Items will be collected through February 11, 2019, with the distribution event scheduled to take place on February 14, 2019 at George Massey Station in Dover. The distribution reception will allow foster care representatives and school homeless liaisons from around the State the opportunity to select needed items for their clients.

Drop-off points are located throughout the state and may be found on the homepage of the GACEC at http://gacec.delaware.gov. Contact the GACEC at (302) 739-4553 or Sybil Baker, GACEC Administrative Coordinator Sybil.brown@gacec.k12.de.us for additional information.