DEMA URGES READINESS AND AWARENESS AHEAD OF WEEKEND WINTER STORM

(SMYRNA, DE) - The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is monitoring a potentially impactful winter storm developing this week and into the weekend. The emerging forecast from the National Weather Service includes freezing temperatures from the high teens to the 20s into the weekend with the increasing possibility of snow Saturday evening through Sunday night, and possibly into Monday morning. Cold Weather Advisories have been issued with wind chill values estimated to drop to the single digits. There is an increasing probability of disruptions to daily life, including hazardous driving conditions.

DEMA recommends that residents ensure they have the basics of emergency items in the home - cooking staples of shelf-stable food, water, supplies of necessary medications, along with flashlights, first aid kits, child and pet product needs and more. Visit PrepareDE.org for full lists of emergency items for the home and car.

Residents are urged to avoid nonessential driving when possible and to drive more slowly, leaving a larger following distance, when travel is unavoidable. Motorists are encouraged to follow DelDOT and local news reports for information on road closures or other potential disruptions to travel. Drivers are reminded to practice automotive safety by maintaining gas and fluid levels, ensuring working breaks and wipers, and by outfitting your vehicle emergency kit with items like flashlights, flares, blankets, chargers, jumper cables, food and water.

As prolonged exposure to the cold can result in hypothermia, residents are reminded to dress accordingly outdoors, in layers, with hats, gloves and scarves to protect otherwise exposed areas of the body from frostbite.

"DEMA will continue to monitor the developing weather situation and will update residents as more information becomes available," offered DEMA Director, A.J. Schall. " Now is the time to stock up your emergency supplies, ensure you are signed up for emergency alerts, check in on your elderly relatives and neighbors, and make sure everybody has a plan to stay safe."

DEMA offers the following safety tips and resources to prepare in advance of any storm.

Winter Preparedness:
1. Build a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit. Learn how at PrepareDE.org.
2. Dress in layers appropriate for the conditions and learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
3. Prepare your home and car for extreme cold temperatures, such as weatherproofing your house and winterizing your vehicle by checking or replacing lights, tires, wiper blades, and other items. https://preparede.org/emergency-types/natural-hazards/#winter-storms
4. Bring pets or animals in during winter storms and freezing temperatures and stock pet supplies.
5. Preparedness takes a team: "buddy up" to help those with access and functional needs.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:
1. Stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings.
2. Register your mobile numbers with the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions in Delaware.
3. Follow DelDOT's traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app. which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions.
4. In inclement weather, stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
5. For disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, call 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379 to reach the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) Transportation Management Center (TMC). For general information, call 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600.

Automotive Safety:
1. Check your tires and windshield wipers and replace if needed.
2. Make sure that windshields are completely clear of snow and clear snow from the tops of vehicles and the beds of pickup trucks.
3. Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
4. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you're too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of their vehicle.
5. Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you. Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than high beams.
6. Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
7. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see. Reduce your speed.
8. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don't have the right of way. Take precautions such as allowing for extra reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or traffic light.
9. Never pass a snowplow.
10. Always wear your seatbelt.

The National Weather Service-Mount Holly (NWS) issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area. Learn more: ArriveAliveDE.com | PrepareDE.org

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.
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