HURRICANE INFORMATION

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) encourages residents and visitors to continue monitoring the tropics and conditions.  For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations and the Sussex County EOC Website.

Sussex Co. EOC website:  https://sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-operations-center

Sussex County's hurricane homepage:  https://sussexcountyde.gov/hurricane-information

Also follow along on:                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Facebook: www.facebook.com/SussexCountyDE                                                                                                                                                                      Twitter:  www.twitter.com/sussexde_govt

The public should also monitor the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/ for the latest forecast.

In case of a hurricane, nor'easter, etc., the following evacuation routes are listed by the Sussex County Mapping and Addressing Department.

Evacuation Routes (Click Here)

For further information on shelters, local weather advisories, etc. go to:                                                                                                                                   https://sussexcountyde.gov/hurricane-information

The Delaware Homeowners Handbook to prepare for natural hazards can be downloaded at:                                                                                                 http://www.deseagrant.org/products/delaware-homeowners-handbook-prepare-natural-hazards

SUSSEX COUNTY STORM READINESS

Know what hurricane WATCH and WARNING mean

WATCH:  Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified are of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

•  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
•  Prepare to bring indoors lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by  the wind.
•  Prepare to cover ALL windows of your home.  If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood, as described below.  Note: Tape does not  prevent windows from breaking; so taping windows is not recommended.
•  Fill your car's gas tank.
•  Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

WARNING:  Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the Warning, usually within 24 hours.

•  Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
•  Complete preparation activities.
•  If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
•  Be aware, the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over.  The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow  from the opposite direction.  Trees, shrubs, building and objects damaged boy the first winds can be broken and destroyed by the second winds that  blow from the opposite direction.
•  Be alert for tornadoes.  Tornadoes can happen during and after a hurricane passes over.  Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or  bathroom without windows.
•  Stay away from flood waters.  If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way.  Remember, only 6 inches of moving water can  sweep you off your feet.  If waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Prepare a personal evacuation plan.  Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate.  Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.  Keep telephone numbers for those places handy as well as a road map of your locality.  You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.  Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions.  If advised to evacuate, do so immediately!  Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit.  Include the following items in your kit:

•  First aid kit and essential medications.
•  Canned food and can opener.
•  At least three gallons of water per person.
•  Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding, or sleeping bags.
•  Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
•  Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
•  Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.  (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back  on.)

Prepare for high winds.  Install hurricane shutters or precut 3/4" marine plywood for each window of your home.  Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.  Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.  Know what to do after the storm is over.  Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.

•  If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
•  Inspect your home for damage.
•  Use flashlights in the dark; avoid using candles in case of gas leaks.
•  Report broken sewer or water mains to the appropriate utility department.
•  Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is safe to do so.