Severe Weather Awareness Week March 11-15, 2024

Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long have proclaimed March 11 to March 15 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware. In recent years, Delaware has experienced flooding, tornadoes, and coastal storms that put lives and property at risk and adversely impact the health, safety, and economic well-being of families, businesses, and schools. Learning about the different types of hazards can increase preparedness and reduce the devastation caused by severe weather.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is joining with the National Weather Service in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, NJ, the Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Delaware, and Delaware Sea Grant to raise awareness. Flooding, coastal storms, tornadoes, and lightning are just some of the weather threats that can occur in Delaware, often with little warning. The National Weather Service is hosting a “Severe Weather Awareness Week” webpage with many informative resources and links to NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation website. Tips on making a family plan, building a preparedness kit, and staying informed can be found at PrepareDE.org.

Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director A.J. Schall said, “Preparing for severe weather is important because it can reduce the risks of injury, death, and property damage. These weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by being informed, alert, and ready.”

Residents are urged to follow along on DEMA’s social media accounts for a different weather hazard each day, providing historical context as well as links to valuable information on how to keep your family safe.

Delaware Severe Weather Awareness Week is a reminder that Delaware has been hit with many major weather events within the past four years. Record rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021 caused historic flooding in parts of downtown Wilmington, Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020 spawned the longest tornado ever recorded in Delaware, which wreaked a path of destruction as it traveled from Dover in Kent County to Glasgow in New Castle County. This year also marks almost one year since a tragic tornado fatality occurred on April 1, 2023 in Sussex County. It was the first tornado-related death since two people were killed near a mobile home community near Hartly on July 21, 1983.

Nationally, NOAA reports that 2023 was the most historic and costly year on record for disasters. There were 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023 – surpassing the previous record of 22 in 2020 – causing at least $92.9 billion in damages. Experts believe extreme weather is increasing due to climate change while studies suggest that the human cost of climate-related disasters is acutely undercounted. A U.S. Census Bureau report estimated at least 2.5 million people were displaced by weather disasters in 2023. The University of Delaware Disaster Research Center – now celebrating its 60th anniversary – found disasters disproportionately affect low-income groups while widening existing inequities.

According to Kevin R. Brinson, Associate State Climatologist at the University of Delaware Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA), average temperatures are generally increasing and precipitation is also getting more extreme. The intensity of tropical systems is also increasing as sea surface temperatures increase. Sea levels are definitely rising and the rate of rise could accelerate during the 21st century if large ice sheets continue melting in Greenland and Antarctica. Data shows that, on average coastal storms occur most often during March, but also are more likely in other months, such as May, August, September, and December. To check out Delaware climate records, visit the Delaware Climate Office Website. Scientists say it’s possible that climate extremes may become more common in future decades, particularly heat-related ones. Which is why being prepared for extreme weather is more important than ever:

“Our weather isn’t getting less extreme, so preparing for the next storm also prepares us for future extreme events,” Brinson said.

Insurance Check up

Flooding

Flooding is the most frequent and expensive natural disaster in Delaware and the USA and it can also be deadly. Over a 30-year period, flooding caused more fatalities on average than every other weather event except excessive heat. When a flood is imminent or occurring, the top priority should be the physical safety of family members and pets. Monitor local news and weather reports and sign up for emergency alerts. Have a communication plan ready in the event of a power outage. The best way to protect your home and belongings from flood damage is to buy and maintain home insurance and purchase flood insurance – don’t let your hard work and your family’s future be washed away. Experts recommend the following steps to prepare for a flood:

  • Buy and maintain home insurance and get a regular insurance checkup
  • Get information on flood insurance at FloodSmart.gov
  • Find out your flood risk at the DNREC Flood Planning Tool Website
  • Take a household inventory with photos and store important documents

Delaware Sea Grant is partnering with other agencies to host the “2024 Flood Insurance Forum: Fact vs. Fiction? Everything You Need to Know About Flood Risks and Insurance” on April 3, 2024 (in person and virtual) at the Lewes Public Library, from 9 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact Danielle Swallow at dswallow@udel.edu The public can register at www.deseagrant.org/flood-forum

Tornado Damage
Damage from the April 1, 2023 tornado that struck Sussex County, Delaware.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes are violently rotating columns of air that extend from a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can destroy buildings, flip cars, and create deadly flying debris. Tornadoes are not common in Delaware; however, when they do occur, they can cause serious property damage and threaten human lives. Tornadoes can occur anytime and anywhere, look like funnels and bring intense winds up to 200 miles per hour. Experts recommend the following steps to prepare:

  • Because tornadoes come with little or no warning, you should know the signs of a tornado: including a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar like a freight train.
  • Sign up for Delaware’s Emergency Notification System at de.gov/dens, download the FEMA mobile app, and enable local alerts for your area. Always follow the advice of state and local officials.
  • If your area is under a tornado warning, go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
  • Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
  • Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
  • Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
  • Use your arms to protect your head and neck.If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.

Find DEMA on Social Media: Facebook, X, Instagram, Youtube, Nextdoor

 


Volunteers Honored For Their Disaster Work

SMYRNA, DE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) proudly highlights the work of the Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD) over the past year.  For their dedication to providing help to Delawareans in need, DEVOAD members Martin Brett and Ellen Udovich were honored with the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award during a virtual ceremony on February 24th, 2022.

The DEVOAD 2021 Year in Review was recently published and includes details of their many accomplishments.

DEVOAD consists of locally based organizations and local representatives of national organizations who provide services that strengthen the capability of the State to respond to communities affected by disaster.  DEVOAD has been a critical partner of DEMA and the State of Delaware throughout 2021 by providing the following assistance: 

 Hurricane Ida

  • Hot meals
  • Mental health services
  • Muck and gut and debris removal services for damaged residences
  • Assistance with the formation of the Eleventh Street Bridge Community Long Term Recovery Group

In addition to their work helping the flood survivors, DEVOAD was awarded two grants to cover the costs of their response efforts following the devasting tornado damage stemming from Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020.  Teams of DEVOAD volunteers spent weekends clearing debris for affected homeowners. 

““DEVOAD has prepared for years to build a team to assist the comminutes post disaster.  Over the last year they have been instrumental in providing direct services to survivors.  We proudly support their work and congratulate them on these much-deserved awards.”” says DEMA Director A.J. Schall. “DEVOAD leadership is proud of the contribution our members have made to disaster response efforts statewide” says Toby French, Chair of the DEVOAD.

Anyone who wishes to join or contribute to the DEVOAD can find more information on their website and in this video.

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.

 


Community Preparedness Workshop for Seniors and People With Disabilities in Dover

 

Smyrna – Are you prepared for an emergency or disaster?  Disasters can strike suddenly, anytime and anywhere, and first responders may not be able to reach you right away.

If you were unable to attend the Community Preparedness Workshop in Georgetown, a second workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover (1121 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904), from 8:30AM – 1:30PM.  The workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to talk with our preparedness partner exhibitors.  Coffee, tea, water, and light refreshments will be available in the morning before the workshop.  Delaware Citizen Corps, the Office of Preparedness, and the Modern Maturity Center (MMC) in Dover are partnering to hold this workshop.

What can you do to help yourself, your family, and your neighbors if an emergency or disaster happens?  The major goal of this workshop is to better equip seniors and people with disabilities with knowledge to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies at home and disasters in their communities.  In 2019 Delaware experienced winter storms, severe storms, power outages, flooding, tornadoes, as well as threats from hurricanes and coastal storms.  Anything can happen to anyone at any time.  Learning about what can happen and how to be prepared is increasingly important.

Speakers will include trainers from the Kent County Department of Public Safety, Office of Preparedness, Delaware Citizen Corps, as well as specialists from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI), and Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities/Adult Protective Services. The workshop will feature information and resources for how to make emergency and communications plans, make an emergency kit, and learn about fire safety.

Seating is limited. Registration for this free workshop is required and is online at Eventbrite at https://mmcpw.eventbrite.com. To request special needs accommodations for hearing or visual impairments or other needs, please contact Beth MacDonald by Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Beth.MacDonald@Delaware.gov.

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/delawareemergencymanagementagency

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Twitter, https://www.twitter.com/delawareema

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.


Delaware Libraries, UD Disaster Research Center Present Disaster Planning Summit

DOVER – The Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, and the Delaware Division of Libraries are sponsoring an all-day summit “Disaster Recovery for Delaware” on Tuesday, February 28.

The purpose of this statewide summit is to connect library staff with emergency planners to help communities bounce back more quickly following a natural or man-made disaster. The summit will focus on developing partnerships and strategies before an emergency happens. Emergency responders will speak on ways libraries can assist them in mitigation and preparedness, response and recovery. The program will incorporate National Library of Medicine resources, focusing on health and disaster information, to support responders, the community, and library staff. Libraries will learn what it takes to become “second responders,” including options for further partnerships to assist their communities in the event of a disaster.

  • What: Disaster Recovery for Delaware: Exploring Potential Partnerships Among Emergency Planners, First Responders, Librarians and Others
  • Who: Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long; Representatives from the University of Delaware Disaster Research Center, National Network of Libraries, and Delaware Division of Libraries; emergency planners, first responders, librarians, and organizations involved with disaster planning, response, and/or recovery
  • When: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday, February 28
    (Contact Cathay Keough at cathay.keough@delaware.gov for detailed program schedule)
  • Where: Dover Downs Conference Center, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover DE 19901


DPH Shares ‘Preparedness Buddy’ Brochure To Help Delawareans Prepare For Emergencies

DOVER — Winter weather can bring high winds, snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. Responding to those and other potential hazards — such as power outages, fires, floods, and disease outbreaks — is less stressful when emergency plans are in place. This is particularly true for adults and children with disabilities, seniors, and those with temporary or chronic health conditions, language barriers or any other issue that might make mobility difficult in an emergency. That’s why the Division of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging use of the Office of Preparedness’ “Preparedness Buddy Brochure.”

This downloadable and printable brochure is a great tool that asks people with access and functional need to identify a Preparedness Buddy to help them prepare to manage through emergencies. It provides these individuals, as well as their support network or “buddy,” with a step-by-step template for developing a personal emergency plan in the event of situations where they may need to evacuate their homes or shelter in place.

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. DPH recommends printing the brochure, filling in 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. If you have a pet or service animal, include their information and needs, and then share it with friends and family. DPH especially advises people with access and functional needs who live alone, to find a primary Preparedness Buddy, as well as an alternate buddy. They should also identify and send a copy of the brochure to an out-of-state Preparedness Buddy.

“Keeping all Delawareans safe is a priority of the Division of Public Health,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Most everyone has someone with access and functional needs in their family or friend network. By helping those who may need extra assistance prepare for emergencies, we are taking an important step towards doing just that. We strongly urge anyone with access and functional needs to take advantage of the Preparedness Buddy brochure as a precaution in case of an emergency.”

And, DPH urges loved ones or those serving people with access and functional needs to print and fill out the brochure if an individual is unable. The term “people with access and functional needs” is defined as those with hearing, mobility, cognitive, emotional, and mental challenges, and also can include older people, children, those with limited or no English language proficiency, persons from diverse cultures, individuals who use life-support systems, people who use service animals, and people who are medically or chemically dependent (meaning those who must regularly take medications or receive medical care or are struggling with substance abuse.)

DPH advises these seven steps for people with access and functional needs to plan for emergencies:

1. Find a Preparedness Buddy and an alternate buddy. Delawareans who live alone or have special needs should ask someone dependable to serve as their Preparedness Buddy and their alternate.

2. Complete the Preparedness Buddy personal emergency plan brochure. Keep the original plan on the refrigerator and a copy in a disaster kit. Ask your preparedness buddies to keep copies.

3. Include in the personal emergency plan what to do in case of interrupted utilities (electricity, gas, phone, and garbage disposal) and interrupted transportation (medication deliveries, transportation to and from work, and caregiver and family visits). Home health care clients should contact their providers to ask how bad weather impacts their schedule and ability to reach clients. Include contact names, street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Review and update emergency plans each year or during peak disaster seasons.

4. The Preparedness Buddy should regularly check in on their designated buddy to ensure they have enough medication, oxygen, medical supplies, food, and water.

5. Read the “Emergency Preparedness” section of the Guide to Services for Older Delawareans and Persons with Disabilities at http://www.delawareadrc.com/, pages 82-84.

6. Register Delawareans with access and functional needs at the Smart 9-1-1 website. All three counties use Smart 9-1-1. Smart 9-1-1 is a service that allows residents to create a free Safety Profile for their household that includes any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. When anyone in that household dials 9-1-1 from a phone associated with their Safety Profile, their profile is immediately displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker providing additional information that can be used to facilitate the proper response to the proper location.

7. Read the emergency planning instructions for your region:

The Office of Preparedness created the Preparedness Buddy brochure in collaboration with Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), the Developmental Disabilities Council, Autism Delaware, the University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies, Family SHADE, and local Emergency Operations Centers.

For more information on preparing for emergencies such as what items to keep in a disaster kit and evacuation planning visit:

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.