Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30

WILMINGTON, Del. — Today, Delaware Governor Jack Markell and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper joined the American Red Cross, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware Department of Homeland Security to urge Delawareans to prepare themselves, their families, and their businesses for the 2014 hurricane storm season. The Atlantic and Caribbean Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30.

 “Hurricanes have resulted in real damage to homes and businesses across the state in recent years, but we’ve also limited the damage because of the support we have received from the public in prevention and response efforts” said Governor Jack Markell.  “Our best defense is to be well prepared before any storm arrives and we all have a role to play. Keeping our communities as safe as possible requires advanced coordination and cooperation among state government, the general public and organizations like the Red Cross.”

“If the superstorms of the last several years have taught us anything, it’s to be prepared for everything,” said Sen. Carper, chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. “Now is the time to protect your homes, businesses and property from severe weather.”

“Being prepared and staying well informed through local media and DEMA’s web site is most important in keeping our families and neighbors safe during severe weather events. Our citizens must prepare now for this year’s hurricane season so that they know what to do before, during and after a hurricane strikes,” said Delaware Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Lewis D. Schiliro.

 A 2013 survey by the American Red Cross and The Weather Channel found that few Americans living in coastal counties have taken necessary action to prepare for severe tropical storms and hurricanes. Only about half of those surveyed have an evacuation plan or a plan for communicating with family members if they are separated. Nearly a third of people did not have an emergency kit with supplies.

 “The importance of maintaining and sustaining your knowledge of your community, hazards, home, neighbors, your planning efforts, and maintaining and sustaining knowledge of storm impacts are the primary areas of consideration that will assist you in making decisions to preserve your personal safety and that of your family and your neighbors, said Jamie Turner, director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “Have a plan, have a kit; exercise and update both on an annual basis.”

 “Preparedness is critical when it comes to life-threatening disasters such as hurricanes,” said Patrick Delaney, CEO, American Red Cross Delmarva Region. “It’s important families and individuals make time to build an emergency kit, create an evacuation plan, and download the Red Cross Hurricane App to help make it through the next storm safely.”

 Even communities far inland from the coast can experience hurricanes depending on the course of the storm, often with the threat of powerful winds and widespread flooding. In addition, strong rip currents even at large distances from the storm can threaten those at the beach many miles away.

 PREPARE BEFORE THE STORM

Hurricanes are powerful and dangerous storms. They can bring heavy rains that cause major flooding, destructive winds that down power lines, uproot trees and damage homes, and storm surges that travel several miles inland destroying everything in its path.

As hurricane season approaches, it is important to know the difference between the threat levels.

•  A Hurricane Watch is when conditions are a threat within 48 hours. It’s then time to review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed.

•  A Hurricane Warning is when conditions are expected within 36 hours. It’s then time to complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Now is the time for families and individual to build an emergency kit and create an evacuation plan.  For more information, go to http://www.ready.gov/american-red-cross or www.dema.delaware.gov.

State of Delaware Offices Closed Monday, March 3^rd

Wilmington, DE – With a severe winter storm expected to generate significant snowfall throughout Delaware, Governor Jack Markell has issued a State of Emergency and “Level 1 Driving Warning,” effective Monday, March 3^rd at 12:00 a.m. [See text below]. In addition, the Governor announced State of Delaware offices will be closed on Monday, March 3^rd, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

“Once the precipitation turns to snow, we strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from being on the road,”  said Governor Markell.  “Snowfall amounts are predicted to increase rapidly as the storm progresses, which will create hazardous driving conditions. Hundreds of DelDOT crews will continue to work on clearing roads and we will continue to evaluate conditions.”

Video of the Governor’s media briefing: http://youtu.be/F5WymyzfcsU 

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 Executive Department

Dover

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

AND LEVEL I DRIVING WARNING

DUE TO A SEVERE WINTER STORM

 WHEREAS, a winter storm is expected statewide, with anticipated snowfall accumulations of 8 to 10 inches in Kent and Sussex Counties and 6 to 10 inches in New Castle County; 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 for the State of Delaware.  This State of Emergency will be effective as of Monday, March 3, 2014 at midnight E.S.T., and shall continue until terminated as provided under state law.  The nature of the emergency is heavy snowfall and potentially high winds.  Along with such other actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, I specifically direct and authorize:

1. 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 (DEMA), in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), necessary in those areas affected by the storm.
2. As of Monday, March 3, 2014 at midnight E.S.T., and until further notice, a Level 1 Driving Warning is in effect.  Any person operating a motor vehicle shall exercise extra caution in the operation of that vehicle 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.
3. I authorize the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware State Police, in consultation with DEMA and the Secretary of DSHS, to order such bridge and road closures as necessary to protect the health and safety of the public.
4. 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 2^nd day of March, 2014, at 5:30 p.m.

Due to the accumulation of snow and ice and the threat of additional wintry precipitation, the Samuel D. Burris Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at The Old State House in Dover, Del., has been postponed. The event will be rescheduled in the near future.

Following is information on the original event:

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014
Second Annual Samuel D. Burris Workshop. Program explores the latest findings on Delaware’s Underground Railroad conductor Samuel D. Burris. Activities begin at the Old State House and conclude at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Workshop 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5055.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone:  302-736-7413
E-mail:  Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web:   http://history.delaware.gov

State of Emergency Remains Active for New Castle County

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he has lifted the State of Emergency Level One Driving Warning for Kent County, effective at noon today. New Castle County remains under a State of Emergency with a Level 1 Driving Warning until further notice. Road conditions in Kent County have improved since this morning, but some roads still have snow and ice on them. DelDOT continues to work on plowing and salting roads and drivers should exercise caution, particularly on back roads or areas that become icy.

“If you have to go out on the roads today, please drive slowly and carefully,” said Governor Markell.  “Hundreds of DelDOT employees continue working to improve road conditions, but snowy and icy spots still exist and drivers should exercise caution.”

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 Executive Department

Dover

 TERMINATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR KENT COUNTY

             WHEREAS, Kent County and New Castle County have experienced significant accumulation of snow in the past 16 hours, creating dangerous conditions on area roads; and

WHEREAS, through the significant efforts of Department of Transportation officials and state and local emergency responders, travel on many roads in Kent County is possible again; and

WHEREAS, response efforts continue throughout the State of Delaware, and road conditions in New Castle County remain challenging, particularly on secondary and local roads;

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, hereby declare:

1.      My declaration of a state of emergency, including the Level 1 driving warning,  dated February 13, 2014 is terminated for Kent County as of noon today.  The state of emergency and Level 1 driving warning shall remain in effect in New Castle County until further notice.

2.      Pursuant to 20 Del. C. § 3116(a)(11), the Delaware National Guard shall continue to provide necessary assistance to state and local activities, at the discretion of the Adjutant General or his designee.

3.      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 11:59 a.m. E.S.T.

Governor

(Smyrna) – State offices in New Castle and Kent Counties are closed during regular business hours today by order of Governor Jack Markell.  A Limited State of Emergency and Level 1 Driving Warning were also issued by Governor Markell before 6 o’clock this morning.  Delaware Code defines a Level 1 Driving Warning in this manner: “Level 1 Driving Warning: 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. Nonessential employees, regardless of whether employed by a public or private entity, are encouraged not to operate a motor vehicle on the State’s roadways when a Level 1 Driving Warning has been activated, unless there is a significant safety, health or business reason to do so.”

A Winter Storm Warning continues in New Castle County until 6:00am Friday, February 14^th.  Kent County also remains under a Winter Storm Warning, set to expire at 1:00pm today, February 13^th.  A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect statewide until midnight tonight.  Areas of minor coastal flooding are expected with evening high tides. Areas of poor drainage will be affected and some roadway flooding may be experienced.  More precipitation is expected this afternoon and evening.

Snowfall totals vary across the state with most areas with accumulations over 10 inches so far in parts of New Castle County.  Amounts are lower downstate, with around 6 inches of snow reported in the Dover area. Inland Sussex County saw 1-2 inches, with mostly rain in the beach areas.

Delmarva Power and the Delaware Electric Cooperative are both reporting power outages and the numbers are changing quickly as crews are able to restore service to affected areas.  Information on school closings, can be found on the State of Delaware School Closings website (http://schoolclosings.delaware.gov/).