No matter the season, preparation a must

If there’s a silver lining to the dreary days of winter, it’s that Sussex County has weathered yet another season of extreme heat and the looming threat of hurricanes. But as the tropical storm season draws to a close, the nor’easter season begins, and homes and businesses along the coast, even inland, should be prepared now for whatever Mother Nature might unleash in the months ahead.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center reminds the public that preparation is a must before any season, whether it’s ahead of hurricane season that runs from June to November or the nor’easter season that spans October to March. Residents are encouraged to check supplies, monitor weather conditions, and take appropriate action if directed this winter season.

“With such a light hurricane season, people might feel a sense of relief. But winter can be just as hazardous, and it’s easy to underestimate the severity winter conditions can pose,” Sussex County EOC Director Joseph L. Thomas said. “High winds, flooding, heavy snow, icy travel and downed power lines are just some of the many effects we can see this time of year, all of which pose a significant risk to life and property. It’s important that the public remain vigilant throughout the year to be prepared for whatever might come our way.”

Over the years, Sussex County has experienced harsh winter seasons, including the “polar vortex” that brought extreme cold to the region in early 2014. Meanwhile, repeated coastal storms and back-to-back blizzards in 2009 and 2010 closed schools, stranded motorists, and knocked out power across the county, while scouring beaches, flooding fields and leaving a blanket of snow that was measured in feet, not inches.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s seasonal outlook for this winter predicts a moderately wetter season than those in recent years, but not necessarily as cold, according to NOAA’s long-range outlook issued in late October. Forecasters, though, are keeping an eye on a developing El Niño pattern, the phenomenon of warming waters in the east-central Pacific Ocean that can have global effects, including an increase in nor’easter activity along the East Coast of the United States. Fortunately a repeat of last year’s extreme cold is not expected in the mid-Atlantic region, according to forecasts.

To ensure you are prepared for winter weather, the Sussex County EOC suggests the following preventive actions:

Before the Storm

  • Spread an ice melting agent on walkways and driveways to keep surfaces free of ice; use sand to improve traction;
  • Have snow shovels and other equipment handy;
  • Winterize your vehicle:
  • Ensure antifreeze levels are sufficient to avoid freezing;
  • Ensure the heater and defroster work properly;
  • Check lights and flashing hazard lights for serviceability;
  • Pack a winterization kit that includes an ice scraper, de-icer for door locks, blankets, and sand or kitty litter to provide traction if your vehicle becomes stranded;
  • Create a Safety Profile for your household with the County’s free Smart911.com service to provide potentially critical, life-saving information up front.

During the Storm

  • Listen to television, radio, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information. Also, visit the Sussex County EOC website and its Twitter feed, www.twitter.com/SussexCtyDE_EOC, for up-to-date information;
  • Eat regularly and drink ample fluids; avoid caffeine and alcohol;
  • Conserve fuel and power, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal.  Temporarily close off heat to some rooms;
  • Limit unnecessary travel and heed all advisories and warnings.

Dress for the Weather

  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, thin, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellant;
  • Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves, as well as a hat;
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

For more winter weather information and helpful tips, please visit the Sussex County website at www.sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-preparedness and click on the ‘Other Hazards’ link on the left to download a useful guide about preparing for winter storms and other types of hazardous events.

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Media Contact

Debra Jones, EOC spokeswoman
(302) 855-7801