DEMA Encourages Preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa

 Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) along with local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa.  We continue to coordinate with the counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness if the system worsens.  A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued by the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly for Sussex County with expansion of the Watch expected.  The updated track for Tropical Storm Elsa from NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center is slightly further west, which could mean a more significant impact for the state.  The main threats are anticipated to include rain, flooding, and increased rip currents beginning late Thursday.  But as we saw with Tropical Storm Isaias last summer, a variety of threats exist with Tropical Storms including tornadoes, high winds, flash flooding, etc.  Power outages are possible.  Plan ahead now and be prepared.

Prepare Your Home

  • Secure loose outdoor items such as grills, trash and recycling cans, and patio furniture.
  • Clear drains around your home to prevent flooding.
  • Trim back trees and bushes to prevent storm damage.
  • Have a plan for how to stay cool if the power goes out.
  • If you have a generator, make sure that you have fuel and test it in advance. Remember: never use a generator indoors!

Prepare Your Vehicle

  • Have a full tank of fuel
  • Ensure tire pressures are correct
  • Ensure that all lights are working.

Charge Electronic Devices

  • Keep phones, radios, and electronic devices fully charged in case of power outages.
  • Have portable power banks to charge electronic devices.

Make A Plan – preparede.org/make-a-plan

  • Make a plan for where you would go if you had to leave your home due to an evacuation or if it sustained damage.
  • Communicate and practice your plan with family.
  • Have a list of emergency contacts and copies of important documents.

Make An Emergency Kit – preparede.org/make-a-kit

  • Make sure that you have emergency supplies, such as food and water, for each member of your family (and pets) to last >3 days.
  • Have flashlights in case of power outages and fully charged power banks to charge electronic devices.

Stay Informed

Map showing the forecasted route of Tropical Storm Elsa which tracks through Delaware. Map showing the forecasted arrival of Tropical Storm force winds as early as Thursday evening.A map showing predicted rainfall of 1-2 inches or higher for Delaware.

For more preparedness tips: PrepareDE.org  

For weather updates from the National Weather Service: weather.gov/phi

For updates on the roads: https://deldot.gov/ and through their app https://deldot.gov/mobile/.

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

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

Winter Weather Awareness Week – December 7-11

Smyrna, DE – As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, we must be reminded of the hazards winter brings. Every year, winter weather conditions such as snow and freezing temperatures cause deaths, injuries, illnesses, and property damage in Delaware. Last year’s mild winter is not an indicator of what’s to come this year, so the time is now to brush up on some winter weather terminologies and start preparing.  Being prepared can help save lives, prevent injury, and save money.  To encourage everyone to prepare for the impacts of winter, December 7 through 11 is Winter Weather Awareness Week.  

 

For Winter Weather Awareness Week, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and PrepareDE are partnering with the National Weather Service-Mount Holly, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and the University of Delaware Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA).  During Winter Weather Awareness Week, participating agencies will provide information via social media, explaining the risks associated with various types of winter hazards (snow, ice, extreme cold, etc.) and provide tips on how to prepare for these extreme conditions.  They will also be sharing fun facts about past weather events in Delaware.   

 

During Winter Awareness Week, we encourage all Delawareans to become familiar with common risks during the winter months. Be prepared for snow and icy conditions that could impact travel on roadways, make sure you have emergency kits in your vehicle and at home, and ensure your home and vehicle are prepared for the extreme cold temperatures the state often experiences. Be prepared to bring your pets/animals inside in the event of a winter storm and freezing temperatures.  

 

While Delaware did not experience any significant snow or ice impacts this past winter season, DelDOT wants to remind motorists to slow down and adapt their driving to the road conditions, give our plows plenty of space on the roads, and take the time to remove snow and ice from their vehicles before traveling. The free DelDOT mobile app also provides access to more than 100 cameras statewide to view current road conditions before traveling.

 

“DelDOT has already begun preparations and will be ready to respond to any winter weather event. We encourage all motorists to take the time during Winter Awareness Week to assess the condition of their vehicles and be prepared for whatever this upcoming winter may bring,” offered Nicole Majeski, Acting Secretary of Transportation.

 

With COVID-19 cases on the rise and people moving indoors due to the colder temperatures, continue to practice COVID-19 precautions; wear a mask, avoid large in-door gatherings, self-quarantine and get tested if you have any symptoms or have come in contact with a someone who has COVID-19, and wash your hands often. 

 

To stay informed this winter, please utilize the following resources and give these agencies a “like” and “follow” on all social media platforms:  

 

National Weather Service-Mount Holly for weather conditions and will issues winter storm warnings: 

DelDOT to check road conditions before travel: 

DEMA 

PrepareDE for tips on how to be prepared this winter for and all hazards in Delaware: 

Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis (CEMA) 

 

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and Twitter.

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

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.