National Emergency Preparedness Month Urges Delawareans to Think Ahead

SMYRNA, Del. – Today, Governor Jack Markell and U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, joined emergency management leaders from Delaware to urge Delawareans to make sure their homes, businesses and loved ones are prepared for an emergency, as a part of National Emergency Preparedness Month.

Delaware has witnessed two major weather events in the last two years, Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy, and being prepared for another emergency event can make all the difference. But not all emergencies in our region are weather related, which is why it is important to have a plan for any sort of event.

“Effective disaster preparedness and response isn’t only about a couple of agencies, or one level of government. It is a coordinated effort,” said Governor Jack Markell. “We partner with federal officials, counties, cities and towns, fire companies, civil air patrol and weather experts to develop our state emergency plans.  Part of what we’re asking Delawareans is to figure out a family emergency plan, so everyone can be better prepared.”

“I am so thankful to the men and women who risk their lives to respond when emergencies happen,” said Sen. Carper. “As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in the Senate, I urge Delawareans and all Americans to be prepared and resilient to avoid the impact of disasters as much as possible.” 

“We are very fortunate in Delaware to have an incredible group of first responders who truly represent the finest emergency personnel in the country,” said Delaware Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security Lewis D. Schiliro. “Their job is also made easier through the preparations of our citizens and the fact that Delaware is a state where neighbors look after neighbors.” 

The Red Cross provides the following information for preparing your family, home, business and employees for an emergency: 

Get a Kit. Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Make a Plan. It is important to make sure that the entire family is prepared and informed in the event of a disaster or emergency. You may not always be together when these events take place and should have plans for making sure you are able to contact and find one another.

Be Informed. Learn the types of disasters or emergencies that may likely occur in your area. These events can range from those affecting only you and your family, like a home fire or medical emergency, to those affecting your entire community, like an earthquake or flood.

“Having a game plan in place is essential for all households so everyone knows what they should do when an emergency occurs,” said Patrick Delaney, Regional Executive, American Red Cross Delmarva Region. “National Preparedness Month is a perfect time to create or update your plan.  For a complete guide to building an emergency supply kit and other helpful tips, please visit www.redcross.org/prepare.”

Delawareans can visit http://dema.delaware.gov/services/disaster_prep.shtml for information about developing a disaster preparedness plan.