Overview of New Castle County Floods Winter Storms Homeland Security Hazards and Disasters Know what to expect: Recommended Actions by Threat Level Family Preparations •Research the flood hazards in your area. New Castle County is vulnerable to a wide range of (www.fema.gov or www.nccde.org •Have heavy blankets on hand. GREEN=LOW natural hazards, includingincluding flooding, tornadoes, “Hurricane and Flood Safe”, link to tropical storms, hurricanes, winter storms, and •Ensure that each family member has a warm •Take steps to protect your identity. earthquakes. Their occurrence is natural and inevi- NFIP site) coat, gloves or mittens, and insulated •Report suspicious activity to the local police. table, and there is little we can do to control their water resistant boots. •If it has been raining hard for several hours, or (NCC Police: (302) 573-2800) or force and intensity. NCC is also vulnerable to a steadily for several days, be alert to the •Check on any elderly neighbors or family. 1-800-FORCE-12 Terrorism Tip Line variety of human-caused hazards, including chemi- possibility of a flood. (in locations such as cal releases, spills or explosions associated with small streams, creeks and roadways) •Consult a doctor regarding flu shots for •Take first aid and CPR classes. the fixed storage or mobile transport of hazardous family members. •Prepare a 72-hour family emergency supply kit materials. In today’s world, we must also consider •Listen to local radio and TV stations for flood •Prepare a 72-hour family emergency supply kit and plan. human-caused hazards, such as technological acci- information. •Prepare a family emergency supply kit. and plan. dents or deliberate acts of terrorism, as legitimate and significant threats to life, safety, and property. When a flood watch is issued: (if you live in a BLUE=GUARDED These hazards threaten the safety of county resi- Home Preparations flood prone or coastal area) •Complete green recommended actions. dents, and have the potential to damage or destroy •Insulate the attic or crawl space. both public and private property and disrupt the •Move your furniture andand valuables to higher •Identify suspicious packages. (Look for out-of- local economy and overalloverall quality of life. floors of your home, if possible. •Re-caulk around the outside of windows and place containers, excessive postage, door frames. strange odors, protruding wires, and oily •Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your •Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your stains.) Watches and Warnings: vehicle. •Install storm windows and doors. •Be prepared to turn off household utilities. •Hang heavy window drapes which close Know the Difference completely. YELLOW=ELEVATED When a flood warning is issued: •Complete blue recommended actions. While the specific actions required for each type of •Listen to local radio and TV stations for •Have the heating system serviced by a •Take alternative routes to/from home, school, hazard may differ, the basics of watches and warn- information and advice. If told to professional. ings areare the same. and work. evacuate, do so as soon as possiblepossible. ***If the heating system depends on a fuel deliv- WATCH: Conditions are favorable for a hazard to •Take precautions when traveling across US occur or develop within the next 36 hours. At this ery supplier, maintain at least a 3 day supply of borders and overseas. point, you should make sure that you have your 72- When a flash flood watch is issued: point, you should make sure that you have your 72- fuel. •Practice your family emergency plan. hour emergency supply kit ready. Also, be •Be alert to signs of flash flooding in your area prepared to put your family evacuation plan into and prepare your home. action. You should also make sure your house and ORANGE=HIGH •Be aware of alternate routes in case of road Vehicle Preparations property are ready for the upcoming disaster. •Complete yellow recommended actions. closures. •Replace worn tires, aging batteries, and WARNING: Conditions are favorable for a hazard to •Exercise caution when traveling and attending When a flash flood warning is issued: windshield wiper blades. occur or develop within the next 12 to 24 hours. At special events. this point, you should be listening to your local •Or if you think flash flooding has already •Maintain engine coolant at manufacturer’s radio and TV stations for information. You should started, evacuate immediately. Act specifications to prevent freezing and/or be deciding whether you are going to shelter-in- RED=SEVERE place or evacuate. If you decide or are requested quickly! overheating. •Complete orange recommended actions. to evacuate, make sure someone knows where you •Move to higher ground away from rivers, •Keep a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid. are going and to take your 72-hour emergency sup- streams, creeks, and storm drains. •Shelter-in-place or evacuate if instructed by ply kit with you. •Maintain a winter storm kit in the vehicle: government officials. Refer to • Do not drive around barricades…they are there government officials. Refer to blankets, ice scraper, shovel, sand, www.Ready.gov or **Why is it a 72-hour supply kit? 72 hours is the for your safety. If your car stalls in rapidly jumper cables, flashlight, signal flares www.state.de.us/dema for these historical disaster recovery timeframe for essential rising waters, abandon it immediately and first aid kit. procedures. infrastructure servicesservices to resume.resume. and climb to higher ground. New Castle County Emergency Supplies Kit Thunderstorms and Lightning Hurricanes and Tornadoes Department of Public Safety Be sure to keep all items in a waterproof Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale Office of Emergency Management container, and have on hand enough supplies in Protective Actions When Home: Category Sustained Winds Damage this kit to last you and your family for 72 hours: •Stay inside and away from windows. Mailing Address: 1 74--95 mph Minimal • Blankets, pillows, or sleeping bags •Unplug electrical appliances, and entertainment 87 Read’s Way 2 96-110 mph Moderate • Extra clothing (also rain gear and sturdy devices. New Castle, DE 19720 3 111-130 mph Extensive shoes) •DO NOT USE faucets, bathtub, shower, hot tub, or (302) 395-2700 www.nccde.org 4 131-155 mph Extreme • Canned and other non perishable food other items connected to your water itemsitems (such as self heating meals)meals) system. 5 >155 mph Catastrophic •DO NOT USE telephones, except for emergency • Manual can opener •DO NOT USE telephones, except for emergency Hurricanes: Office of calls. (Cell or cordless phones are a safer What to do when a hurricane watch is issued: • 3 gallons of water per person in your choice than a corded phone, but distance household yourself from its power base.) •Make sure that your 72 hour family emergency Emergency Management supply kit is ready. • Medications (prescriptions, eye glasses, •PRACTICE THE 30 MINUTE RULE! Wait at least hearing aids, dentures, etc.) 30 minutes after last seeing lightning or •Prepare your home and family to hearing thunder before going outside or shelter in place or evacuate. • First aid kit resuming normal activities. What to do when a hurricane warning is issued: • Toiletries and feminine items Protective Actions When Outside: •Complete preparations and listen to local radio • Diapers, food, and other essential items stations for emergency information. for children •Seek substantial, enclosed building or metal-topped vehicle with windows up, engine off, and radio off. Tornadoes: • Plastic zip top bagsbags and trash bags •If shelter is not available, find a low spot in an What to do when a tornado watch is issued: • Plates, cups, utensils, or mess kits area away from natural lightning rods and •Secure all outside items. (furniture, grill, etc.) • Flashlight with extra batteries metal objects; such as tall trees, fences, poles, water, hill tops, motorcycles, golf •Listen to local radio and TV stations for further • Battery operated radio (NOAA weather carts, golf clubs, bicycles, and guard rails. updates. service capable) with extra batteries Planning for Emergencies •Position yourself to be the smallest and lowest •Be alert to changing weather conditions; such as • Paper towels, napkins, and moist wipes object in the area by squatting low to the blowing debris, hail, or the sound of an and Disasters ground on the balls of your feet and getting approaching tornado. Many people say • Tools (make sure there’s a wrench to into the duck and cover position. tornadoes sound like a freight train or a jet. turn off the water) What to do when a tornado warning is issued: • Important Documents:Documents: Deeds,Deeds, insuranceinsurance Enhanced Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity Your Guide To: policies, medical records, bank account •If you are inside, go to youryour designated safe room. numbers, social security card, identifica- EF Scale # 3 Second Gust IntensityIntensity A good place is an interior room on the Gaining Knowledge of Frequent tion, proof of residency (such as utility lowestlowest floor of your home (under heavy, EF0 65-85 mph Gale bill), inventory of all valuables, and have EF0 65-85 mph Gale sturdy furniture that will protect you from Hazards debris). an extra set of keys and cash EF1 86--110 mph Moderate Developing Action Items for your • Pet care items (tags, immunization re- EF2 111-135 mph Significant •If you are outside, in a car, or in a mobile home hurry to a nearby sturdy building or lie flat in a cords, ample supply of food and water, EF3 136-165 mph Severe Family Emergency Plan medications, carrier/cage, muzzle/leash, ditch or low lying area. Do not go under a EF4 166-200 mph Devastating current picture of you with the pet) EF4 166-200 mph Devastating bridge or overpass, as these will act as a Gathering Items for a EF5 Over 200 mph Incredible wind tunnel. Do not try to outrun the • Games and toys for children tornado in your car. 72-hour Emergency Supply Kit