Delaware Native Species Commission Feb. 20 meeting postponed

DOVER – The Delaware Native Species Commission meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 is postponed due to the impending winter storm. A new meeting date will be announced in the near future.

For more information, please visit Delaware Native Species Commission or call DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302-739-9910.

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

Vol. 49, No. 37


Commissioner Navarro Offers Cold Weather Safety & Insurance Tips

This winter, Delaware Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro is offering insurance and safety suggestions to Delawareans:

 Winter activities

If you’re traveling and ready to jump on a lift to take your board or skis down your favorite slope or get your ice skates laced up for the rink, check your homeowners or renters policy, as well as your health insurance, to ensure you know what to do in case of an accident or a loss.

Generally, equipment you own will be covered, up to a specific amount by your homeowners or renters policy. Check the limit in your policy and decide if that will be enough to replace damaged or stolen equipment. Remember to factor in your deductible. If you think you need more coverage, ask your insurance agent about an additional rider.

Another consideration is air ambulance rides if you’re skiing or snow-boarding in a remote location. Check out this Air Ambulance Alert for more information.

If you are out of town without access to your physician or local health care center, review your emergency medical treatment requirements:

  • Are you required to seek medical treatment at a certain hospital or urgent care center that is in your insurer’s network?
  • Will you have a copay?
  • If you need to fill a prescription, do you have to go to a certain pharmacy?

Make a list of these details and carry your insurance card with you when you travel.

 

Cold & flu season

Doctors’ offices are often crowded during the winter months, meaning you may have a time-consuming wait when seeking treatment for a sore throat or an earache. Your health insurance may offer alternatives. Ask whether your plan includes options such as phone or web consultations with health care professionals who can answer questions or provide remote diagnosis. Additionally, mini-med or urgent care centers may accept your health insurance and are likely more cost-effective than a trip to the ER. However, for any prolonged or acute illness, it is best to visit your doctor.

 

Snow plowing

If you plan to remove snow from your driveway with your own plow attached to your vehicle, your personal auto policy should cover your liability and any property damage you might cause. But before offering to help friends and family, read through your policy or talk with your auto insurance agent to make sure you are covered if something were to happen.

If you are using your plow to make a little extra cash this winter, your personal auto insurance policy will not likely provide coverage if an accident occurs. Ask your agent if an endorsement is available to add to your existing policy or if a commercial auto policy – one that includes coverage for plowing – makes sense before committing your services.

 

Snow removal at home

If you plan to remove snow from your driveway with your own plow attached to your vehicle, your personal auto policy should cover your liability and any property damage you might cause. But before offering to help friends and family, read through your policy or talk with your auto insurance agent to make sure you are covered if something were to happen.

If you are using your plow to make a little extra cash this winter, your personal auto insurance policy will not likely provide coverage if an accident occurs. Ask your agent if an endorsement is available to add to your existing policy or if a commercial auto policy – one that includes coverage for plowing – makes sense before committing your services.

 

Travel insurance

Traveling in the winter months can be full of surprises. Even if you’re traveling somewhere warm, bad weather can cause delays. To help mitigate the cost of rebooking a flight or an unexpected overnight stay, travel sites and airlines offer travel insurance that may cover unexpected delays or cancelations. Check out this Travel Insurance Consumer Alert for more information.
Travel insurance can cover everything from lost luggage to delays and cancellations. Make sure to closely read any policy you consider.

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Contact:  Vince Ryan

(302) 674-7303


Winter storm precautions urged for livestock, poultry owners

DOVER — The Delaware Department of Agriculture reminds poultry and livestock growers to take proper precautions to shelter and protect their animals as winter storm season is upon us.

“Preparedness is the key to keeping animals safe,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Heather Hirst, who heads the Department’s Poultry and Animal Health Section. “Winter storm situations can be deadly to livestock and poultry, but taking the right steps can keep them healthy.”

In preparation for heavy snow and possible power outages, owners should inspect poultry houses and other structures; keep back-up generators, fuel, and filters on  hand; check feed inventories; have a back-up communications plan; and mark driveways and roads with tall poles or stakes. Roofs should be cleared of snow as soon as possible, while taking proper steps for worker safety.

Other precautions recommended by the Department of Agriculture include:

>> Check and secure all buildings and enclosures. Repair or secure loose boards, doors, window covers, metal sheeting, wire and equipment that could blow around in high winds.

>> Provide water and food. Make sure your animals have alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps and automatic waterers are not working. Have enough food and water on hand for seven days. Move feed to higher ground to prevent mold contamination from flooding.

>> Mark animals. Identifiers for returning lost animals could include ear tags with farm name and phone numbers, brands, paint markings on hooves or coats, or clipped initials in hair coats. Leg bands can be used for back yard poultry.

>> Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have basic veterinary supplies on hand and that your livestock are current on vaccinations.

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Media contact:

Dan Shortridge
Director of Communications and Marketing
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520
daniel.shortridge@delaware.gov

 


Governor’s Statement on Weather Conditions

State of Delaware Offices in Kent, Sussex Counties Closed, Offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m.

(Wilmington) – State of Delaware offices in Kent and Sussex counties are closed during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent or Sussex County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County will open at 10 a.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

The Governor’s Office released this statement from Governor Markell on weather conditions:

“Heavy snow continues to fall throughout the state and is expected to reduce to flurries later this morning. Significant snowfall totals are expected in Kent and Sussex counties ranging from five to nine inches,” said Governor Markell.  “DelDOT crews are actively working to clear primary roads and will continue to do so. We strongly encourage drivers who do not need to travel to delay or refrain from going on the roads to give DelDOT plows time and ability to work.”

“Expected snowfall totals are not as significant in New Castle County, but we still encourage those traveling in the northern part of the state to use caution and allow extra time to reach their destination today,” Markell said.

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Driving Warning Remains in Effect

State of Delaware Offices Closed

(Wilmington) –  State of Delaware offices will be closed today, as we continue to recover from the winter storm that ended this morning. The level one driving warning will remain in effect at this time. We are continually monitoring the road conditions in order to lift the State of Emergency as soon as it is safe to do so.

Hundreds of employees with over 300 pieces of equipment have been working steadily to clear roadways enough for safe passage. Despite pre-treating road surfaces and overnight plowing and salting, the windy conditions and low temperatures have necessitated multiple treatments to keep primary arteries passable. With snow ending earlier this morning, crews have begun work on the secondary roads.

“If you do not need to be out on the roads this morning, please don’t drive,” said Governor Markell. “This gives DelDOT the space it needs to get its work done and will help keep you safe.”

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