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

Have multiple ways of monitoring the weather through US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly. A NOAA Weather Radio is a great backup system!
Make sure to register for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) to receive important emergency alerts here.
Monitor our social media pages and local officials if further actions are required.

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.

FEMA Mitigation Grant Application Period Open

Smyrna – The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for DR-4566 Tropical Storm Isaias funding notice has been announced. The application period started in May 2021, with up to $2,000,000 in available funding for mitigation projects. The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is intended to assist state agencies and local governments in implementing long-term hazard mitigation planning and projects following a Presidential major disaster declaration. More detailed information regarding the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program can be found at https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is seeking eligible projects to be submitted through sub-applicants (state and local governments) for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. DEMA will review all pre-applications for eligibility and determine which projects will move forward in the application process by July 2021. Eligible project sub-applications will be required to be submitted to FEMA for further review by August 2021.

For additional information, or if your organization wishes to apply for HMGP funding or further inquire about mitigation grants, contact your county emergency management office, or Karen Montes at DEMA, 302-659-2243, or karen.montes@delaware.gov.

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

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

Update on Tropical Storm Response and Recovery

WILMINGTON, Del. – On August 4, 2020, Governor John Carney issued a State of Emergency to coordinate response and recovery efforts following the high winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding due to Tropical Storm Isaias. The State of Emergency is effective as of 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020

“Several communities in Delaware experienced significant damage from Tropical Storm Isaias,” said Governor Carney. “We are declaring a State of Emergency to provide coordinated assistance for response and recovery efforts from this storm damage. Severe weather can happen quickly. I urge all Delawareans to stay safe, and prepare for any future weather events by visiting preparede.org.”

The State of Emergency allows the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to direct and coordinate the resources to assist with response in the areas affected by the storm. The State of Emergency also directs the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Delaware State Police, in consultation with DEMA and the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, to close bridges and roads as necessary to protect the health and safety of Delawareans and travelers.

Read State of Emergency

Read State of Emergency Termination

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Related news:

Tropical Storm Isaias Damage Reporting

Tropical Storm Warning for Delaware

DelDOT Advisory for Tropical Storm Impact

Important Insurance Reminders After Tropical Storm Isaias

Commissioner Navarro encourages caution in repairs, meets with community

Tropical Storm Isaias produced tornado activity, heavy rain and flooding, hail, and strong winds throughout the state, causing significant destruction in several Delaware communities. Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro visited residents and assessed damage on Wednesday.

“While measuring the full extent of this storm will take time, we know one thing – we must come together as a community and support those that need to rebuild,” said Commissioner Navarro after touring Amberwood community in Bear, which saw extensive storm impacts, and speaking with those beginning the insurance claims process. “I understand the eagerness of every resident to clean up and make repairs, but I can’t emphasize enough the importance of contacting your insurance company first. Take photos of everything and do not make permanent repairs before working with your insurance adjuster. Make only necessary, temporary repairs to prevent additional damage. Save all documentation, pictures, and receipts.”

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro talks with a resident next to a down tree.

The Delaware Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division is working with residents who have questions or concerns about their insurance company’s actions, and can be reached at (800) 282-8611 or (302) 674-6227, or by email at consumer@delaware.gov.

Underscoring the importance of proceeding through the insurance claim and property repair process with caution, Commissioner Navarro highlighted the frequency of fraudulent activity after a storm: “Anytime we experience a big storm like Isaias, we see storm-chasing scammers pop up in neighborhoods, falsely stating they are with an insurance company, or encouraging homeowners to sign on to repair contracts without going through the proper channels – often price gouging residents, or completing shoddy repairs if they make any at all, leaving the consumer on the hook for costs that could have been covered by an insurer.”

Residents who encounter a storm-related insurance scam can contact the Fraud Prevention Bureau at (800) 632-5154 or (302) 674-7350, or email fraud@delaware.gov. Consumers are urged to carefully review contracts for home repairs, ask for references and research companies through the Better Business Bureau.

Consumers may contact the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, DEMA, to see what assistance may be available as a result of the Governor’s State of Emergency. Property insurance policyholders should be aware of the dwelling deductible stated on their insurance declaration page, and take note that there may be a deductible for named storms, wind, hail, or tornadoes that may apply to the claim, most often stated as a percentage of dwelling coverage.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, Department of Insurance offices are not currently open to the public, but residents are encouraged to contact the department at one of the emails or phone numbers above, or call (302) 674-7300 for assistance.

Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro speaking to a resident whose deck was damaged by the storm.

Governor Carney Declares State of Emergency to Coordinate Tropical Storm Response and Recovery

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a State of Emergency to coordinate response and recovery efforts following the high winds, heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding due to Tropical Storm Isaias. The State of Emergency is effective as of 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, until further notice.