School Closing Information System – Review a real-time listing of school closures from across the state of Delaware.

 

School Closing E-mail Registration Website – Subscribe to e-mail, text, and/or voice message notification of school closings and other school status.

 

School Closing Information by Phone – A voice activation system which provides school closing and other school status.
The toll free number is 877-831-7215.

 

 

Emergency and Adverse Weather Advisory – Read the latest information for state employees from the Human Resource Management Office.

 

State of Delaware BlackBoard Connect Closing/Delay Notification Registration – This service will allow you to sign up to receive information updates and advisories for Delaware State Government Employees.

 

State of Delaware BlackBoard Connect “How to Register Guide” – View instructions on how to sign up with BlackBoard Connect to receive advisories for Delaware State Government Employees.

 

 

Live Traffic Cameras – Take a look at where the traffic is heading and have a bird’s eye view of the clear paths to get you where you need to go.

 

Online Subscription Service – Receive DelDOT press releases, scheduled travel restrictions, and real-time travel advisories via e-mail.

 

 

DelDOT’s Snowplow Tracker – available on the DelDOT mobile app or on their website.

 

 

Subscribe on News.delaware.gov – sign up to receive emails when state agencies like DelDOT, DEMA, or the Governor’s office post press releases about weather announcements.

 

 

 

 

When the weather turns especially hazardous, Delaware has a three-level system of driving warnings and restrictions. Drivers should know the three levels and what they mean.

The levels are found in Title 20 of the Delaware Code, Subsection 3116(b)(12) and may be put in effect by the Governor during a State of Emergency for all or parts of Delaware based on conditions.

 

 

 

Level 2 Driving Restriction: essential personnel include those who are necessary state personnel or those who provide healthcare services, food deliveries, and fuel deliveries during a state of emergency in both public and private industries.  

 

Level 3 Driving Ban: includes first responders, some state employees (i.e. policemen, utility workers), people the governor has approved through executive order and operator of snowplows or debris removal equipment that have been hired by the state or private interests.

 

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

State of Delaware offices are opening today (January 27, 2015) as regularly scheduled. Employees are to report to work as scheduled​.

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.

# # #

Media contact:

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