Driving Discouraged and Extra Caution Encouraged

With a severe winter storm generating significant snowfall in parts of Delaware, Governor Jack Markell has issued a Limited State of Emergency and “Level 1 Driving Warning” for Kent and New Castle Counties, effective immediately.  State offices in Kent and New Castle Counties are closed.  State offices in Sussex County will open two hours late.  See text below.

“We strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from being on the road,”  said Governor Markell.  “Conditions throughout Kent and New Castle County have deteriorated, and it is safer not to drive if you don’t have to.  Hundreds of DelDOT crews are continuing to work on clearing roads and we will continue to evaluate conditions.”

DART has made service changes because of the weather, in its updated schedule.

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Executive Department

Dover

DECLARATION OF A LIMITED STATE OF EMERGENCY

AND LEVEL I DRIVING WARNING FOR KENT AND NEW CASTLE COUNTIES

DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM

             WHEREAS, a severe winter storm is generating and will continue to generate significant amounts of snow and sleet throughout the State of Delaware, with significant accumulations of more than six inches in much of Kent County and New Castle County; and

WHEREAS, the severe winter storm has winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour, resulting in snow drifts and other road hazards that make driving dangerous and creating potentially life-threatening conditions; and

WHEREAS, on February 12, 2014, I authorized the Delaware National Guard to assist state and local officials with any necessary response and recovery activity for this severe winter storm; and

WHEREAS, the predicted weather conditions will likely continue to create dangerous and potentially life-threatening road conditions and may result in additional public safety responses;

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, do hereby declare a State of Emergency in New Castle and Kent Counties.  This State of Emergency is effective on February 13, 2014 at 5:00 a.m. E.S.T., and shall continue until terminated as provided under state law. The nature of the emergency is significant amounts of snow and sleet, and high winds.  Along with such other actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, I specifically direct and authorize:

• All departments and agencies of the State of Delaware shall assist in response and recovery activities, as directed by and in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, necessary in those areas affected by the storm.
• As of February 13, 2014 at 5:00 a.m. E.S.T., and until further notice, a Level 1 Driving Warning is in effect in New Castle County and Kent County.  Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution for the duration of the emergency.  Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle for the duration of the emergency, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.  State and local officials are directed to remove abandoned vehicles from roads in affected areas at the expense of the vehicle owner.
• I authorize the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware State Police, in consultation with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, to order such bridge and road closures as may be necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.
• The Delaware Emergency Management Agency shall activate the State Emergency Operations Plan and cooperate with federal entities in making applications, if necessary, for relief and assistance for those towns and communities adversely affected by snow, winds and coastal flooding, pursuant to the State Emergency Operations Plan of the State of Delaware and any potentially applicable federal disaster or emergency relief laws, including, but not limited to, the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The Director of DEMA, or his designee, shall be the Governor’s Authorized Representative with respect to interaction with FEMA.
• I reserve the right to take or direct state or local authorities to take, without issuance of further written order, any other necessary actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code to respond to this emergency.

APPROVED this February 13, 2014 at 5:00 a.m. E.S.T.

Governor

(Smyrna) – As an illustration of how quickly information, whether correct or erroneous, can go viral on the internet, social media sites been buzzing in recent days with rumors that a massive snowstorm will paralyze the mid-Atlantic region during early February.

Gary Szatkowski, Head Meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly, New Jersey has received inquires about the rumored storm.  Here is his response: “To our emergency management and other key partners, many of you have been asked about a possible monster snowstorm about 10 days from now.  A graphic has also been going around about the same storm showing huge amounts of snowfall in the region.  I have responded on this topic to one state emergency management agency, as well as three county emergency management agencies, who in turn have been dealing with inquiries about this storm.

I have been sending the response below regarding the graphic and am sharing it with all of you now to help you deal with any inquiries.  It’s simply a graphic showing long-range model output.  When you say ‘is there any truth to this’, it depends what you mean.

If you’re asking if it is an accurate depiction of the information contained in a computer model, the answer is ‘yes’.  If you’re asking if you should bet your house on the forecast being right that far out in time, my answer would be ‘only if you wish to be homeless’.

If you’re asking my opinion, it’s a highly inflammatory action on the part of irresponsible people. Although the science of meteorology has made great strides, we have not suddenly developed the ability to forecast blizzards 10 days out.  It’s been a difficult winter for many people.  Exploiting people’s emotions regarding the weather to drive web site visits or Facebook likes is highly unethical & unprofessional.

That’s what’s going on here.

I went on one of the weather discussion websites referenced in the graphic, and that person has already posted an apology with appropriate caveats similar to above.”

The National Weather Service and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) monitor weather conditions.  No one can responsibly or accurately predict, at this time, any weather condition that may occur a week or more from now.

DOVER – State of Delaware offices are closing at noon. Non-essential employees are to leave for the day. Non-essential employees who work other shifts are not to report. Essential employees are to remain at work and report as scheduled.

Dover — Right now, thousands of homeowners are cleaning up and filing insurance claims following an outbreak of devastating tornadoes across the U.S. However, according to a February 2012 survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), more than half of Americans don’t have a home inventory of their possessions, putting them at risk for inadequate home insurance coverage, should severe weather strike.

The recent survey revealed 59 percent of consumers have not made a list or inventory of their possessions. Of those individuals with a home inventory, 48 percent do not have receipts; 27 percent do not have photos of their property; and 28 percent do not have a back-up copy of the inventory outside the home. Additionally, 59 percent of people with inventories have not updated their inventories in more than a year, meaning new purchases and gifts may not be covered.

“Violent weather events affected approximately 80 percent of the nation’s population over the past six years. In 2011 many Delawareans experienced the effects of Hurricane Irene which left widespread destruction in her wake,” stated Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart. “Creating a detailed inventory of your possessions is one the best ways to ensure you have the right amount of homeowners or renters insurance for you and your family.”

Last year alone, severe weather disasters across the country inflicted more than $43 billion in damage. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners myHOME Scr.APP.book application makes it easier for consumers to document their valuables, update their inventories and store the information for easy access after a disaster. The app is free and available for both iPhone and Android smart phone users.

Before severe weather strikes, consumers can use their inventory to evaluate their coverage and determine if they need to update their policies. It’s important to know that how much is reimbursed varies greatly from policy to policy. On average, home contents are reimbursed only up to 50 percent of the home’s insured value, i.e., $50,000 to replace the contents of a home insured for $100,000.

Creating a Home Inventory

The myHOME Scr.APP.book app lets users capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers of personal possessions and stores the information electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes information by room and creates a back-up file for email sharing. Located on the Delaware Department of Insurance (DOI) website are instructions for you to download this application to your phone.

For those without a smart phone, also on the DOI website is a downloadable home inventory checklist and tips for effectively cataloguing your possessions. Both are available at www.delawareinsurance.gov.

Attention Established Families

“All renters and homeowners should develop a home inventory, and this is especially important for established families with years’ worth of family possessions,” says Commissioner Stewart of the Delaware Department of Insurance. “Whether it is electronics, furnishings, collectibles, jewelry or clothing, families need to know what they own and how much it’s worth.”

As kids grow, the average family’s number of household possessions increases, as well. Families should consider the following areas when reviewing their home insurance needs:

• Electronics —The standard $1,000 policy limit on electronics may not be sufficient to replace multiple computers, MP3 players and tablets. Additionally, many homeowners’ policies do not cover items, such as laptops and televisions, stolen from a dorm room; so families with children living on or off campus should consider renter’s insurance.
• Jewelry — Most policies limit coverage for jewelry to $500, which typically is insufficient to replace a favorite pair of diamond earrings, a wedding ring or expensive family jewelry passed down from generation to generation.
• Fashion — Considering the amount of laundry in the hamper each week, many parents realize the volume of clothing in the household is significant. Replacing clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories for today’s fashion-conscious family can add up.
• Home Goods — Kitchen appliances, workshop tools and sporting equipment also should be included when creating a home inventory.

Disasters Happen, Be Prepared

Personal safety should always be paramount when considering the threat of severe weather. Developing an emergency kit, identifying storm shelters and gathering important phone numbers; including the 24-hour contact information for your insurance agent and insurance company, are all important preparedness steps. For more tips on preparing for severe storms and other disasters, visit: http://www.insureuonline.org/disaster_preparedness.htm.

If you have questions or are confused about how and why to complete a home inventory, contact Delaware Department of Insurance by visiting www.delawareinsurance.gov or calling 302-674-7303.