State of Emergency issued; National Guard authorization begins at midnight

DOVER, Del. – With an impending winter storm expected to impact Delaware, Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a State of Emergency statewide authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this winter storm effective midnight on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

The authorization will allow the National Guard to mobilize resources to assist with response related to heavy snow in New Castle County, and potential coastal flooding in Kent and Sussex counties. The State of Emergency also directs state agencies to assist in response and recovery efforts in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

The State of Emergency will remain in effect until further notice.

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County are closed Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

Throughout the storm, 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” at the Apple and Google Play stores. Motorists can also listen to WTMC 1380 AM for updates on road conditions.

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Executive Order provides additional resources for town, residents

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday signed an Executive Order authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist the Town of Blades with distributing water to residents impacted by high levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in municipal wells.

The Delaware National Guard has provided two, 400-gallon portable water tanks and coordinated troops to ensure 24-hour water distribution operations out of the Blades Fire Hall. Additionally, a 5,000-gallon water tanker is prepared and available for follow-up support.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) on Friday morning started to provide bottled water for drinking and cooking to residents of Blades.

Water will be supplied to the Town of Blades by DNREC, DPH, and the Delaware National Guard to ensure residents have access to potable water.

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The Executive Order is available here.

Only essential personnel to operate vehicles

WILMINGTON, Del. – With roadway conditions continuing to deteriorate, Governor Carney on Thursday issued a State of Emergency for Sussex County and Level 2 Driving Restriction. The State of Emergency for Sussex County took effect at 2:00 p.m., and the Level 2 Driving Restriction took effect at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4. Governor Carney also authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this severe winter storm.

A Level 1 driving warning had been in effect across Sussex County since 7:30 a.m.

The Level 2 Driving Restriction means that no person may operate a motor vehicle on Delaware roadways, except for persons designated as “essential personnel.” 

“This is a serious storm, and Delawareans across Sussex County should stay off the roadways as conditions continue to worsen,” said Governor Carney. “That will help personnel from the Delaware Department of Transportation more effectively clear the roadways, and help us provide services to our neighbors most in need.”

Under Delaware law, the term “essential personnel” means employees or personnel who are necessary (1) to maintain the core functions of government, and (2) to maintain the health and safety of the people of Delaware.  The following persons are specifically designated as “essential personnel” under Delaware law:

• Operators of snow removal equipment (public and private);
• Persons providing public utility services;
• Persons providing healthcare services; and
• Persons providing food and fuel deliveries.

In addition to the above, employers who fall outside the above categories may apply for a waiver from the Level 2 Driving Restriction from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency.  Waivers will be granted when a significant safety, health or business necessity is shown.  Waivers must be obtained in advance of emergency incidents. No waiver application will be granted within 21 days after receipt of the application for waiver, and applications will not be processed for approval during an emergency period.

Updated information from the National Weather Service indicates the following for Delaware:

New Castle County

• A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
• Expect occasionally heavy snow and blowing snow through mid afternoon, with snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.

Kent County

• A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.
• Expect occasionally moderate snow and blowing snow through early this afternoon, with snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches.
• Tree branches could fall.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 2:00 p.m.

Sussex County

• A Blizzard Warning remains in effect until Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
• Expect occasional blizzard conditions snow and blowing snow through mid or late afternoon, with snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches.
• Tree branches could fall.
• Strong winds may cause power outages.
• A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect until 2:00 p.m.

A Code Purple has been declared across the state to assist Delawareans in need of shelter. To be connected to Code Purple resources, call Delaware 2-1-1 or click the Code Purple button at www.delaware211.org. Or call the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 302-654-0126, ext. 112. If you see someone outside who appears to be homeless, encourage them to seek emergency shelter or call a non-emergency police number to alert the police to the situation.

The Delaware Division of Public Health reminds residents to protect themselves and animals during the winter storm.

The Governor urges media and residents to check social media for continuous updates:

twitter.com/JohnCarneyDE

facebook.com/JohnCarneyDE

twitter.com/DelawareDOT

twitter.com/DelawareEMA

Click here for a PDF of the State of the Emergency and Level 2 Driving Restriction for Sussex County due to a Severe Winter Storm.
Click here for a PDF of the Executive Order authorizing the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery for this severe winter storm.

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Transportation Experts Called to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

SMYRNDA, Del. – On Tuesday, October 24th at approximately 745am, 36 Soldiers from the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company departed the Smryna Readiness Center (103 Artisan Drive in Smryna) via motor coach and to be flown to Puerto Rico to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

“Delawareans have proven that we stand ready and willing to help our fellow citizens affected by natural disasters,” said Governor Carney. “To the 36 Soldiers responding to the mission in Puerto Rico, thank you for your service. And thank you to all members of our Delaware National Guard who are answering the call to help those in need.”

The Soldiers will deploy for up to 60 days and help transport supplies necessary to support the citizens of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria.  The Soldiers are truck drivers and maintenance personnel. They have a wealth of experience. Some have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and others to New York in 2012 in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Since August, about 80 Delaware National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and women have deployed to support hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The Delaware National Guard has transported 80 tons of supplies to include, generators, satellite communications equipment, medical supplies, and food and water. Our C-130 aircraft pilots and crews have evacuated more than 250 citizens to safety. We have also provided support with medical, engineer, and communications experts. Currently, we have a team on the ground in the Virgin Islands helping with aerial port operations at St. Croix Airport, along with a team of communication experts assisting in Puerto Rico.

“This request for support just came last Thursday, but these Soldiers reacted in true Minuteman tradition – leaving within less than a week.  They are always ready, always there,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Director of the Delaware National Guard’s Joint Staff.

For more information, please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302 540 0134, or email at Leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil.

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Governor, delegation call on Trump Administration to ramp up relief efforts in Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney, U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester on Friday released the following joint statement regarding relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:

“The devastation that has affected the lives of millions of Americans in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is heartbreaking. These men, women and children may be thousands of miles away from Delaware, but they are our neighbors and we have a responsibility to help them recover and rebuild. The President has taken an important first step that temporarily makes it easier to ship aid and supplies to Puerto Rico, and we’re glad Congress has approved a first installment of disaster assistance, but there’s much more work to be done.

“The Delaware National Guard has deployed troops and flown two dozen relief missions, but we are ready and willing to do more. We have more guard units specialized in communications, engineering, aviation, security, medical, and heavy truck driving that are ready and eager to assist the emergency response efforts.

“We are committed to doing everything in our power to help, but the Trump Administration has the critical responsibility of taking the lead and activating the full force of the federal government to help these people. It must start by issuing a full disaster declaration for the entire island of Puerto Rico to ensure they can make use of all the assistance our country can give.”

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