Town of Dewey Beach Delaware

Property Owners / Help / Hurricane Safety Information

Hurricane Safety Information

HURRICANE WATCH

When a HURRICANE WATCH is announced, it means hurricane conditions are a real possibility and may threaten the area. It means that you must take action to prepare supplies and secure your home. When a HURRICANE WATCH is given, a specific area and period of time for danger will be announced. During a HURRICANE WATCH, you should:

Fill your car with gas. Check battery, water, and oil.
Check flashlight and radio batteries. Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for official weather and emergency statements.
Obtain clean containers for drinking water.
Put together your survival kit.
Refill prescription drugs or obtain special medications (eg. insulin).
Plan to organize your family.
Make arrangements for your pets, they will not be allowed in public shelters.

HURRICANE WARNING

A HURRICANE WARNING is issued when winds of at least 74 miles per hour, high water and storm surge are expected in a specific area with a period of 24 hours. The warning will identify coastal areas where these conditions may occur. Evacuation time depends on the strength, location, and direction of the hurricane's movement. For this reason, you must be prepared to evacuate even before a HURRICANE WARNING is issued - even if the weather does not appear threatening at the time. During a HURRICANE WARNING, you should:

Clear outside areas of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, garbage cans, etc.
Secure boats.
Protect windows and take down awnings and otherwise to secure your property.
Put together materials needed to take to a shelter.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Property damage from high water and waves may be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your regular insurance agent for information on rates and coverage. Visit the Flood Information page of our website for more information.

PROPERTY INVENTORY

A complete inventory of personal property will help in obtaining insurance statements and/or tax deductions for losses. Inventory checklists can be obtained from your insurance agent. Don't trust your memory. List descriptions and take pictures. Store these and other important papers in waterproof containers or in your safety deposit box.

SURVIVAL KIT

If you are staying anywhere other than a Public Shelter, you will need the following:

Non-perishable food (don't forget non-electric can opener)
Water (1/2 gallon per person, per day)
Eating and cooking utensils
Personal toiletries and sanitary needs (diapers, etc.)
Medication (prescriptions)
Portable radio and batteries
Flashlight and batteries
Bedding (sleeping bag, blankets)
Change of clothing
Portable cooler and ice
First Aid kit

BOATS & WATERCRAFT

Boat owners must act early. Relocate and/or secure your craft during a hurricane watch - don't wait for a hurricane warning.
If you plan to secure your boat at home, the best place for your boat is in your garage. If this is not possible, fill boats with water to weigh them down. Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
If you leave your boat in the water, secure your craft carefully, allowing line slack for extreme rise and/or fall of tide.

MOBILE HOMES

Mobile homes and travel trailers are particularly vulnerable to winds of hurricane force. ALL MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS MUST EVACUATE. All recreational vehicles, travel trailers, etc. must be evacuated early, during the hurricane watch period. If you live in a mobile home, take these precautions to minimize damage before you move to safer shelter:

Check tie down provisions and remove loose objects from your property.
Close shutters.
Secure or remove awnings.

EVACUATION ORDER

This is the MOST IMPORTANT INSTRUCTION YOU WILL RECEIVE. During a HURRICANE WATCH and HURRICANE WARNING, local and state emergency management officials will be analyzing hurricane information to determine when to order an evacuation. The Evacuation Order will be issued by the local elected officials and/or the governor.

First, it is crucial to KNOW YOUR ZONE for an evacuation order. All of Dewey Beach lies in the "A" Evacuation Zone. It's important to know your Evacuation Zone before a disaster strikes. Your zone includes specific evacuation routes for your area and proper guidance in the event of an emergency. Evacuating in a planned method by zone reduces unnecessary evacuation travel, roadway congestion and overcrowding, and allows for quicker, safer movement for everyone at risk during emergencies and disasters. Familiarizing yourself with your zone in advance provides time-saving opportunities for planning and preparation for you, your family and those closest to you.

An Evacuation Order may be given locally while the sun is shining. This is because your local officials MUST move all vulnerable residents to safety prior to the arrival of high winds or the flooding of critical roadways. LEAVE YOUR HOME IMMEDIATELY WHEN ORDERED. At some point during a severe storm event, first responders will be ordered to shelter in place. Therefore, first responders can NOT be dispatched DURING a storm to assist anyone who has ignored the evacuation order. This is why it is crucial to leave your home and seek safe shelter elsewhere when ordered to do so.

When an Evacuation Order is given, it will be issued over local radio and television stations. If you choose to sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System, you can also opt to receive alerts via phone, text, email, or social media. Police and other emergency officials will be notifying people as well. Remember, all residents of mobile homes and travel trailers must evacuate when an order is given. All people in the area must move as directed by the local officials.