Hurricane Preparedness Week Promotes Emergency Readiness And Public Safety

May 22, 2025/Joe Ciccanti

In anticipation of the upcoming hurricane season, June 1st to November 30th, 2025, which forecasters are predicting to be above normal, Governor Matt Meyer has Proclaimed May 26th to May 30th as Hurricane Preparedness Week.  In support of this, The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), along with state, county and local agencies are helping communities mitigate against threats posed by hurricanes and other tropical storms. As hurricane activity increases in both frequency and intensity, related storm surges and flooding threaten public safety, homes and businesses.  DEMA urges everyone to visit www.PrepareDE.org for resources on how to successfully weather this year’s hurricane season. 

Additional Information from DEMA:

The World Meteorological Organization confirmed 2024 as the warmest on record, capping ten straight years of record-breaking rising land, ocean and sea surface temperatures.  The continued impact of climate change, above normal temperatures and precipitation along with rising sea levels, places the low-lying state of Delaware at particular risk for potential loss of life and significant damage to property and infrastructure.  Heavy rains and storm surges, gale-force winds and flooding from severe weather events can have a devastating impact on coastal and inland communities.  Water poses the biggest risk for loss of life, and storm surge is the leading cause of all hurricane-related fatalities, followed by inland flooding due to excessive rainfall.

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane season will deliver higher than average activity with an above average likelihood of major hurricane landfall along the Eastern Coast of the United States.  With increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, there also remains the possibility of a named storm developing ahead of the official start of the season.  In seven of the last 10 years, at least one named storm has formed before June 1. By way of comparison, there were only three years with early named storms between 2005 to 2014.  This year Colorado State University predicts 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes (category three or higher) which is greater than the 30-year average for hurricanes and storms. 

 

As hurricane activity increases in both frequency and intensity, related storm surges and flooding threaten public safety, homes and businesses.  DEMA urges everyone to visit www.PrepareDE.org for resources on how to successfully weather this year’s hurricane season. 

 

“The time to mitigate against storm-related damage is before Hurricane season begins,” said A.J Schall, Delaware Emergency Management Agency Director.  “PrepareDe.org empowers everyone to plan for all potentialities by being informed and storm ready.  While the fallout from extreme weather can be unpredictable, there are simple ways everyone can plan for the unexpected – have a meetup plan for families that kids understand; shore up your home, windows, and landscaped environments; review, print and back up insurance documents, and make a go bag with basic necessities.  Always follow evacuation orders and check in with your neighbors and the elderly who may need assistance in emergency situations.”

 

MAKE A PLAN: preparede.org/make-a-plan

  • Information is power.  Find your evacuation zone at Know Your Zone or flood risk with the Flood Planning Tool.
  • Protect your family and home with flood insurance. Most homeowner policies do not cover flooding, and a policy can take up to 30 days to go into effect.  Learn more at Floodsmart.gov.
  • Hurricane housekeeping means decluttering drains and gutters; inspecting and trimming trees and dead limbs in addition to securing loose items.
  • Plan what to do if a hurricane is coming, how to contact and reunite with family, and know your county emergency plans (see Resources).
  • Practice makes prepared! Once you have a plan, review it to ensure everyone knows what to do. Include children in your plan and help them practice it. Read Prepare with Pedro at ready.gov.
  • Account for seniors and those with special needs with the DHSS Office of Preparedness  and its Preparedness Buddy. The University of Delaware has additional resources at allreadyde.org/
  • Because Pets are our family, access resources at the Office of Animal Welfare and Delaware Animal Response Program.

BUILD A KIT: preparede.org/build-a-kit/.

  • Gather supplies for at least one week for each family member of non-perishable food, water, medications, infant formula, and diapers for small children.  This includes Pet supplies like extra food and water, carriers, pet meds and other items they may need.
  • Include a first aid kit, flashlights, radios, matches in a waterproof container, and batteries.
  • Keep a small amount of cash, in the event that ATMs are not working.
  • Consider a generator or other backup. Only use a generator OUTDOORS and away from windows.
  • Have a cell phone power bank or portable car charger and charge phones beforehand.
  • Make sure gasoline tanks are filled and replenish propane tanks for outdoor grills.
  • Check on neighbors to ensure they are safe, prepared and have the necessary supplies.
  • Review insurance coverage and document property with photographs in case of an insurance claim.
  • Make secure digital copies of all documents and keep original documents in a safe, waterproof container in case of power and communication outages.

STAY INFORMED: preparede.org/stay-informed.

RESOURCES:

 

ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for the 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 is authorized by the Delaware Code.

 

Social Media:  Delaware Emergency Management Agency 

on Facebook  X and Instagram

Additional Information from Sussex County Government:

As the six-month-long Atlantic hurricane season officially gets underway June 1, the Sussex County Department of Public Safety/Division of Emergency Management reminds the public to be ready for the forecast, no matter the weather, by taking various preparedness steps now – including creating a disaster kit – to limit damage and avoid loss of life.

 

“There’s a saying in emergency management: use blue sky days to train and prepare for gray sky days,” said Timothy Cooper, Sussex County emergency manager. “The time to prepare your home or your business for the worst is when conditions are best, so take time, when it’s sunny, to get ready for whatever Mother Nature might throw this way. Make a plan, create a kit, stay informed, and get engaged.”

 

Like other coastal communities from the Caribbean to Canada, Sussex County is vulnerable to the effects of tropical weather, from flooding to high winds.

 

Sussex County saw no direct effects from tropical weather during the 2024 season, with storms tracking away from the region. Still, last year was an above average season in the Atlantic basin, with 18 named storms during the season, including 11 hurricanes, five of which were major and caused billions of dollars in damage.

 

For the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above normal season, with 13 to 19 named systems possible. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with three to five possibly reaching Category 3 strength or higher, according to NOAA’s May 22 forecast. Forecasters expect warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, but no discernable El Niño or La Niña weather pattern, to shape the 2025 season.

 

 

El Niño years tend to suppress Atlantic hurricane formation and result in average to below average seasons; during that phase, waters in the equatorial eastern Pacific are warmer, creating lift in the atmosphere that tends to lead to wind shear and inhibit storm formation. Conversely, with during La Niña years – the cooling of equatorial Pacific waters – hurricane formation in the Atlantic can rise significantly. With a neutral pattern expected this year, warmer sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic could still provide the fuel for a slightly more active 2025 season, forecasters predict.

 

An average Atlantic hurricane season sees 14 named storms, including seven hurricanes, with three classified as major, based on NOAA’s 30-year average.

 

No matter the number of storms forecast, all it takes is one to come to fruition and wreak havoc. That’s why preparation is key ahead of each season, officials said.

 

One step residents can take ahead of hurricane season is to create a Safety Profile for their household with the free Smart911™ service to provide potentially critical, life-saving information up front to first responders. Profiles can contain as much or as little information as users want, including details about their properties, special medical conditions and family contacts.

 

To help make the storm season safer for everyone, there are several steps you can take to make your home and family ready for hurricane season:

 

  • If you live in a flood-prone or other vulnerable area, be prepared to evacuate. Plan your evacuation route now. Emergency managers will notify the public, via the media, of what areas should evacuate and when. In the event you evacuate, take a storm kit. Take valuable and/or important papers. Secure your house by locking the windows and doors. Turn off all utilities (gas, water, electric, etc.). Notify a family member or someone close to you outside the evacuation area of your destination.

 

Ø  Secure all outdoor items. Property owners also will need to secure their boats. Area residents should clear rainspouts and gutters and trim any trees that may pose a problem during high winds.

 

Ø  Have a family disaster kit. This kit should include the following items:

    • A three-day supply of water. This should include at least one gallon of water per person per day;
    • Non-perishable foods and a manual can opener;
    • A change of clothes and shoes for each person;
    • Prescription medicines;
    • A blanket or sleeping bag and pillow for each person;
    • Personal hygiene items;
    • A flashlight and extra batteries for each person;
    • Special needs items, such as formula and diapers for infants, as well as

 

items needed for elderly or disabled family members;

    • A portable radio with extra batteries;
    • Money. During power outages, ATMs will not work;
    • Fuel. Gas pumps are also affected by power outages, so it is a good idea to have fuel in advance.

 

Ø  In the event of an approaching storm, travel during daylight hours. Do not wait until the last minute to make plans or to purchase gasoline and supplies. When a storm watch is issued, you should monitor the storm on the radio and television. An evacuation could take 24 to 36 hours prior to a storm’s onset.

 

Ø  If ordered to evacuate and seek shelter elsewhere, follow the instructions of local emergency managers on where to go and when. Authorities will announce shelter locations in advance of their opening, which could include multiple sites to accommodate larger populations. Make provisions for your pets, as many shelters will not accept animals.

 

Ø  If not ordered to evacuate and you decide to take shelter in your home, have your disaster kit ready. Keep your important papers with you or store them in the highest, safest place in your home, and in a waterproof container. Even if you seek shelter in place, you need to secure your home by locking the doors and windows. Turn off all utilities (gas, water, electric, etc.). Monitor the storm by portable radio to keep up with the latest information. Stay indoors. Try to stay in an inside room away from doors and windows.

 

Ø  Use your phone sparingly. Make only essential calls and keep the calls brief. Report emergencies to 911. When reporting emergencies, identify yourself and your location, making sure to speak clearly and calmly. If you have a mobile telephone, make sure it is charged and ready to use at all times. Remember, however, that cell service may be interrupted during and after the storm.

 

Hurricanes and tropical storms can have devastating effects. In the event a hurricane affects our area, expect polluted water, limited communications, no electricity, overflowing or backed-up sewers, undermined foundations, beach erosion and heavy damage to homes and roadways.

 

Do not re-enter the area until recommended to do so by local authorities. As you re-enter the area, be aware of possible hazards such as downed trees and power lines. Be aware of debris and water on roadways. Upon re-entry, have identification and important legal papers ready to show officials proof of residency. Continue to use your emergency water supply or boil water until notified that the drinking water is safe. Take precautions to prevent fires.

 

For more information on preparing for hurricane season, including Know Your Zone evacuation maps and preparedness brochures, as well as volunteering as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member or amateur radio operator, visit Sussex County’s hurricane homepage at www.sussexcountyde.gov/hurricane-information, PrepareDE’s website at www.preparede.org, or the NOAA Weather Ready Nation homepage at www.weather.gov/wrn/.

 

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