As Delawareans change their clocks this Sunday, March 10, 2024, the Delaware State Fire Marshal would like to remind all residents to also check the batteries in their smoke detectors and test them to ensure they are working. Smoke detectors are required to be installed in every home because properly installed and maintained smoke detectors save lives!!

Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. To maintain smoke detectors with 10-year lithium-ion batteries, it is recommended to use a vacuum or compressed air to clean the chamber as needed. If the unit chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke detector. Smoke detectors with any other type of battery source (ex. 9-volt) require a new battery at least once a year. If the smoke detector chirps, warning that the battery is low, be sure to replace the battery immediately. Regardless of the battery source, ALL smoke detectors shall be replaced every 10 years.

Did you know in a home fire, you could have less than 2 minutes to escape once the smoke detector sounds? When testing your smoke detector this weekend, use this time as an opportunity to create and practice your family’s home escape plan. Draw a map of your home, including all doors and windows, with everyone in the home present. Locate two ways out of every room. Discuss your plan as a family and choose a safe meeting place outdoors in front of your home to meet in the event of a fire. Once the plan is in place, push the test button to sound the smoke detector, and start your family home fire drill. It is critical that all residents and guests are prepared to leave immediately in the event of fire!

For more information regarding smoke detectors and the smoke detector law, please visit our website https://statefiremarshal.delaware.gov/special-programs/smoke-detectors/

For more information on home fire escape plans, please visit https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/home-fires/prepare-for-fire/home-fire-escape-plans/

“DNREC’s Augustine Beach Boat Ramp will be closed temporarily through Oct. 28 for completion of a channel dredging project.”

The Augustine Beach Boat Ramp near Port Penn and adjacent intertidal beach located on the south side of the existing rock groin will remain periodically closed through Oct. 28 to complete maintenance dredging of the boat ramp access channel, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Weather permitting for completion of the project, the ramp will reopen with full access on Oct. 29.

Until then, the boat ramp will be closed from 8 a.m. each Monday until 5 p.m. each Thursday, reopening from 5 p.m. each Thursday until 8 a.m. each Monday. The Augustine Beach Boat Ramp parking lot will remain open for the duration of the dredging project.

Boaters who regularly use the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp can alternately use the Fort DuPont Boat Ramp, located approximately five miles north in Delaware City.

For more information, please call the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

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 Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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The Augustine Beach Boat Ramp near Port Penn and adjacent intertidal beach located on the south side of the existing rock groin will be periodically closed starting Thursday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Oct. 15 for maintenance dredging of the boat ramp access channel, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today.

During this time period, the boat ramp will be closed from 8 a.m. each Monday until 5 p.m. each Thursday, reopening from 5 p.m. each Thursday until 8 a.m. each Monday. The site parking lot will remain open for the duration of the dredging project.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete, with full access restored, by Oct. 15.

Boaters who regularly use the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp can alternately use the Fort DuPont Boat Ramp, located approximately five miles north in Delaware City.

For more information, please call the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

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 Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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DOVER – The intermittent closure of the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp near Port Penn and adjacent intertidal beach located on the south side of the existing rock groin has been extended through Thursday, Aug. 1 to complete maintenance dredging of the boat ramp access channel that has been delayed due to equipment issues, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today.

During this time period, the boat ramp will be closed from 8 a.m. each Monday until 5 p.m. each Thursday, reopening from 5 p.m. each Thursday until 8 a.m. each Monday. The site parking lot will remain open for the duration of the dredging project.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete, with full access restored, by Friday, Aug. 2.

Boaters who regularly use the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp may opt to use the Fort DuPont Boat Ramp, located approximately five miles north in Delaware City.

For more information, please call the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 192

DOVER – The Augustine Beach Boat Ramp near Port Penn and adjacent intertidal beach located on the south side of the existing rock groin will be periodically closed starting Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11 for maintenance dredging of the boat ramp access channel, DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife announced today.

During this time period, the boat ramp will be closed from 8 a.m. each Monday until 5 p.m. each Thursday, reopening from 5 p.m. each Thursday until 8 a.m. each Monday. The site parking lot will remain open for the duration of the dredging project.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to be complete, with full access restored, by July 12.

Boaters who regularly use the Augustine Beach Boat Ramp may opt to use the Fort DuPont Boat Ramp, located approximately five miles north in Delaware City.

For more information, please call the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914.

Follow the Division of Fish & Wildlife on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DelawareFishWildlife.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 157