DEMA urges readiness, awareness ahead of weekend winter storm

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency 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 of Jan. 23-25, 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 basic emergency items in the home, such as shelf-stable food, water and 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 when travel is unavoidable, to drive slowly in snowy and icy conditions, leaving a larger following distance than usual. 

Motorists are encouraged to follow Delaware Department of Transportation and local news reports for information on road closures or other potential travel disruptions. 

Drivers are reminded to maintain adequate gas and fluid levels, ensure brakes and wipers work properly, and stock their vehicle emergency kit with items like flashlights, flares, blankets, chargers, jumper cables, food and water.

To avoid hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold, residents should dress 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,” said 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 safety tips and resources to prepare in advance of any storm; go to preparede.org.