DEMA ANNOUNCES DELAWARE NATIONAL GUARD ACTIVATION

Evacuation Orders Issued for Bowers Beach Area Due to Coastal Flooding Threat

(SMYRNA, DE) - The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announces the activation of the Delaware National Guard to assist with emerging needs posed by coastal flooding and high winds expected to continue through tomorrow. DEMA has been coordinating with state and local officials since Friday in preparation for impacts from the storm and is pre-positioning Guard assets for deployment as needed.

Reception centers are open in Kent and Sussex counties, with shelter preparations underway, should the need arise. The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the American Red Cross are working in close coordination with local first responders, the counties, and state officials to ensure residents can access reception centers if needed.

The mayor of Bowers Beach issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents east of Whitwells Delight Road. Residents in need of shelter should go to the Magnolia Fire Company or contact Kent County Emergency Operations Center at 302-735-3465 for further instructions.

Kent County Reception Center:
Magnolia Fire Hall - 2 North Main Street, Magnolia, DE

Sussex County Reception Center:
Millsboro Fire Hall - 109 E State St, Millsboro, DE

DelDOT is actively monitoring roadway conditions. Closures can be found on their website, https://deldot.gov/ and the DelDOT app, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.deldot. DNREC has closed the following beaches, surf crossings, and campgrounds until further notice: • Delaware Seashore State Park • Cape Henlopen State Park

"We're monitoring the situation and proactively positioning additional resources to support counties and municipalities in safe-guarding residents," commented DEMA Director, A.J. Schall. "DEMA will continue to alert the public with Watches and Warnings and other possible protective actions."

With continued concern for moderate to major coastal flooding, and damaging winds, there remains the potential for storm and wind-related tree damage, power outages, and roadway flooding with the possibility for more local evacuations. DEMA asks residents to stay informed and follow directives from local authorities throughout the remainder of the severe weather.

Safety Tips: 1) Sign up for DENS, Delaware Emergency Notification System at https://dema.delaware.gov/ to receive emergency updates on your phone or via email. 2) Know your Zone - Visit https://preparede.org/know-your-zone/ - Type in your address to confirm which evacuation zone you reside in. Even if you reside outside of the evacuation zones it is important to continue to monitor local news reports as you may still be impacted by storm-related flooding, wind, and dangerous road conditions. Always be mindful the dangers of flood waters and flash flooding especially while driving. Remember, when in doubt, Turn Around, Don't Drown. 3) Make a Plan for evacuation, that children understand, which includes relocation instructions and printed copies of family phone numbers and insurance documents in a waterproof bag. Home preparedness can also include elevating belongings, including moving vehicles to higher ground, clearing gutters, removing loose, low-lying branches, and securing outdoor furniture that can become airborne during periods of high winds. Visit https://preparede.org/make-a-plan/ for a full list of home preparedness tips. 4) Build a Kit of essential items such as medicines, water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, radios and batteries along with child and pet needs for 3-7 days. Emergency kits can also include seasonal preparedness such as blankets and automotive safety measures such as having a full tank of gas. Visit https://preparede.org/build-a-kit/ for a broader list of potential items for your emergency go bag. 5) Stay Informed by listening to emergency radio stations (see below) and by following trusted local agencies' social media accounts and credible news sources for information and possible protective actions. Staying informed also means understanding your homeowner's insurance policy to determine an appropriate level of coverage including flood insurance from FEMA as needed. Visit https://preparede.org/stay-informed/ and floodsmart.gov for more information.

LOCAL EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM STATIONS INCLUDE:
WDEL-AM 1150 WDEL-FM 101.7 WCHK-FM 101.3
WWTX-AM 1290 WRDX-FM 92.9 WJWL-AM 900 (Spanish language)
WDOV-AM 1410 WSTW-FM 93.7 WDDE-FM 91.1
WILM-AM 1450 WDSD-AM 94.7
Boaters tune to Marine Channel 16
Delaware Statewide Traffic Advisory Radio WTMC 1380 AM
Sussex County Stations:
WKNZ FM 88.7
WXDE FM 105.9
WGMD FM 92.7
WUSX FM 98.5

ABOUT DEMA
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware's economic base, and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, X, and Instagram