SMYRNA, Del. – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is rescinding the Level 1 Driving Warning as of Wednesday, January 17 at 7:00 a.m. The warning was issued on Tuesday, January 16 due to the likelihood of icing occurring on roads and bridges statewide overnight. A Level 1 Driving Warning is an advisory against unnecessary travel due to road conditions. Motorists were advised to “exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle” and “encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle… unless there is a significant safety, health, or business reason to do so.”

Due to an Arctic front overspreading the region, low temperatures were expected to be in the teens in many areas. While DelDOT crews treated roads and bridges overnight, rock salt becomes less effective when temperatures reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service reports another system could bring snow to Delaware on Friday.

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Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and X and Instagram

With temperatures forecasted to fall well below freezing tonight, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency has issued a Level 1 Driving Warning statewide for the overnight hours of Tuesday, January 16, 2024, to Wednesday, January 17, 2024, due to the likelihood of icing occurring on roads and bridges statewide tonight. A Level 1 Driving Warning is an advisory against unnecessary travel due to road conditions.

The National Weather Service is advising that an Arctic airmass will overspread southeast Pennsylvania, New Jersey, the eastern shores of Maryland, and Delaware. Temperatures tonight will drop into the single digits and low teens across the region.

While DelDOT crews will continue to treat roads and bridges through the overnight hours, rock salt becomes less effective when temperatures reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit, which many areas of the state may near tonight.

Level 1 Driving Warning Definition: A ‘Level 1 Driving Warning’ shall mean that any person operating a motor vehicle when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated shall exercise extra caution in the operation of their motor vehicle. Non-essential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.

The Level 1 Driving Warning will be publicly rescinded when road conditions allow.

Officials urge homeowners and residents to take time and prepare now.

SMYRNA, Del. – Delaware state officials are urging residents to be aware and prepare for potential flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday from a major storm that could bring at least 1 to 3 inches of rain with the heaviest rainfall expected to fall Tuesday night. The combination of heavy rain on already saturated ground with rivers running higher could lead to widespread and significant flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood watch from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday afternoon. Widespread flooding from excessive rainfall is possible for the Delaware beaches, inland Sussex, Kent, and New Castle Counties. In addition, damaging south to southeast winds could produce gusts 40 to 50 m.p.h. inland and gusts up to 65 mph for coastal areas. A storm watch is in effect for all marine zones with dangerous seas building 15 to 20 feet Tuesday night lingering into Wednesday.

DEMA has resources on PrepareDE.org about flooding and the NWS also offers flood safety tips to help everyone prepare. Homeowners are urged to clear their gutters and drains as well as check sump pumps to make sure they are working properly.

“Having multiple rain events over the course of a few weeks has created the possibility for serious flooding with Tuesday’s storm,” said A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “Take time today to prepare and make sure you are weather aware and follow the directions of local officials.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “Drivers should be alert to the possibility of flooded roads during this storm and not attempt to drive through them. Please slow down and adapt your driving to the conditions. DelDOT will be monitoring road conditions throughout the storm and will be ready to respond. Flooded roads can be reported to the Transportation Management Center by calling #77.”

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is monitoring weather conditions and will work with county emergency management officials to respond and address any emerging needs. DelDOT will update road closure information and issue travel advisories on its website, WTMC 1380 AM, and the DelDOT mobile app.

As a coastal state with the lowest average elevation in the U.S., flooding is the most common weather hazard in Delaware. For a map of flood-prone areas in Delaware, go to de.gov/floodrisk. Residents in these areas should monitor the weather and prepare to move to higher ground if necessary. Motorists are reminded to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” if they encounter flooded roadways.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.

KEY MESSAGES

• Stay informed about current weather, storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings
• Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens to learn about emergency closings or hazardous conditions. Download the FEMA App and set up local alerts.
• If possible, avoid travel by car in flooded areas. Check on road conditions with the DelDOT App.

Flood Severity Terms

• Flood Watch: Flooding is possible. Tune to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television.
• Flash Flood Watch: Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to higher ground; listen to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for information.
• Flood Warning: Flooding is occurring or will occur soon; if advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Flash Flood Warning: A flash flood is occurring; seek higher ground on foot immediately.

National Weather Service Links:

• NWS Philadelphia/Mt. Holly Website: weather.gov/phi/
• Facebook: facebook.com/NWSMountHolly
• X (formerly Twitter): @NWS_MountHolly

DelDOT Links:

• Download the free DelDOT mobile app
• Travel Advisories: http://deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/#advisories
• WTMC Radio: 1380 AM statewide
• Facebook: facebook.com/DelawareDOT
• X: @DelawareDOT

DEMA Links:

• Website: DEMA.delaware.gov
• Facebook: facebook.com/DelawareEMA
• X: @DelawareEMA
• PrepareDE.org

ABOUT DEMA

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.

SMYRNA, DE: Do you know a nonprofit organization in Delaware that may be interested in grant funding for security enhancements? Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status may be eligible to receive funding through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). This federal grant program provides funding for physical and cyber security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofits that are at risk of a potential terrorist attack. The NSGP also seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations with broader state and local preparedness activities.

Application details

Eligible nonprofit organizations must apply through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), who then applies to FEMA on behalf of the nonprofits. All application materials must be submitted to Mark Dworkin of DEMA at Mark.Dworkin@delaware.gov by 5pm on June 1, 2022. No applications will be accepted by DEMA after 5pm on June 1, 2022.

The application packet for NSGP must include the following documents:

1. a completed Investment Justification
2. a Mission Statement on letterhead
3. a Vulnerability Assessment specific to the location/facility for which they are applying for funding
4. Optional: Nonprofits may also submit supporting documentation with their application packet that further demonstrates the organization’s risk

Award details

Nonprofit organizations with one site may apply for up to $150,000 for that site. Nonprofit organizations with multiple sites may apply for up to $150,000 per site for up to three sites, for a maximum of $450,000 per nonprofit. The maximum award is $150,000.00 per project application. If a nonprofit organization applies for projects at multiple sites, regardless of whether the projects are similar in nature, they must submit a separate Investment Justification (IJ) and vulnerability assessment unique to each site.

DEMA Application assistance

FY22 NSGP information and resources, such as the FY22 NSGP Program Guide and Investment Justification, can be found under Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the Resources tab on DEMA’s website (dema.delaware.gov). Additionally, self-assessment resources from the Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC) and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are available on DEMA’s website to assist nonprofits with the completion of their vulnerability risk assessments.

FEMA Application assistance

FEMA is hosting an Informational Webinar Series for FY22 NSGP technical assistance. Additional NSGP information like the Notice of Funding Opportunity, resources, and registration for upcoming webinars can be found on the FEMA website (https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security).

For questions regarding the NSGP, contact Mark Dworkin (mark.dworkin@delaware.gov).

Flooding such as occurred in Delaware during Hurricane Sandy is becoming a bigger threat to country’s lowest-lying state.

Interactive Quiz, Flood Insurance Webinar and Social Media
Campaign Highlight Daily Flood-Related Themes from May 9 to 13

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss. “Every Delawarean should make sure that they are prepared for unexpected flood events,” said Governor Carney. “Flood Awareness Week allows for federal, state and local emergency agencies to increase public awareness of flood risks. Explore the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s resources to make sure that you’re prepared.”

Throughout next week DNREC and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will highlight numerous resources for flood awareness in Delaware, to include an interactive quiz, webinar and floodplain mapping tool.

“Delaware is the lowest-lying state and has the lowest average land elevation in the country – we are already susceptible to flooding and becoming more at risk from sea level rise,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “With climate change spawning more extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes, flooding is an issue that we must confront with greater urgency. It’s imperative to get word out on flooding and flood risk management.”

“Delaware is experiencing significant flooding with increasing frequency in areas that have not previously experienced flood events. We encourage residents to be proactive to understand how flooding could affect them and take the appropriate precautions to protect their property and families,” said Department of Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

Much of the impetus behind Delaware Flood Awareness Week is helping the public become better informed about flood insurance, which provides policy holders with financial security and ensures quick recovery of personal property from flood damage. Delawareans can learn how much they know with a new interactive online flood quiz, available on Monday, May 9 from @DelawareDNREC social media pages. The quiz and much more information about flood awareness also can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

Much of the focus for Flood Awareness Week is on the tools and resources available to help Delawareans understand flood risk and be proactive addressing it on a personal property level. DNREC and DEMA staff will be on hand virtually and via social media during the week to explain flood insurance issues, to help residents access a flood insurance policy, and to advise on mitigation assistance resources in Delaware.

On Tuesday, May 10, DNREC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a flood insurance virtual open house, with two hour-long discussions, in the morning from 10 to 11 a.m. and an evening session from 6 to 7 p.m. The open house offers expert commentary from the state and federal level, and the private sector on flood insurance and Risk Rating 2.0, the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) new risk rating and pricing methodology. At the end of each open house, the panel will address general questions from attendees via Zoom chat. More information, including Zoom registration, can be found at de.gov/floodrisk.

DNREC’s Floodplain Management program will drive more flood insurance and flood awareness outreach later this month, with a DART bus traveling Sussex County routes outfitted with a graphic depiction of a flooded Delaware community under the heading “FLOODS. Are You Prepared?”

The Wednesday, May 11 theme “Flood Safety” is highlighted by more social media and outreach from DEMA, carrying messages such as “Flooding Can Be Dangerous” and, particularly in Delaware, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” when encountering flooded roadways – a typical passenger vehicle can be swept away toward a tragic outcome by as little as 12 inches of onrushing water.

The flood awareness theme for Thursday, May 12 is “Know Your Flood Risk,” with a goal of encouraging Delawareans to research flood risk for their property. DNREC supports this effort by providing the Delaware Flood Planning Tool app, which can be found at de.gov/floodplanning. DNREC’s social media awareness message for the day is “Anywhere it rains, it can flood. Know your flood risk. Use the Delaware Flood Planning Tool to view other flood risk information for your property.”

For the Friday, May 13, and the flood awareness theme of “Remediation and Mitigation,” DEMA will turn to social media for explaining how actions taken now can reduce Delaware’s vulnerability to future disasters – how, on average, $1 spent on hazard mitigation provides Delawareans $4 in future benefits. The theme extends to helping Delawareans understand the benefits of mitigating at the local level, including how they can apply for mitigation grants through their local communities.

The finale for flood awareness week outreach efforts is a bonus for the next generation of Delaware property owners. DNREC’s Floodplain Management Program will unveil a working model of a floodplain Saturday, May 14 at the DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship’s “Water Family Fest” at the James Farm Ecological Reserve that helps young people understand flooding and its impacts. The Enviroscape tabletop is a hands-on way to demonstrate flooding and floodplain management concepts – along with showing how flooding on the floodplain can be caused by unplanned development, and the role wetlands play in helping mitigate flooding impacts.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

About DEMA
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services in order to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. For more information, visit the website and connect with DEMA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: DNREC: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; DEMA: Paige Fitzgerald, paige.fitzgerald@delaware.gov

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