Nature:  Sussex County Emergency Operations Center Reminds Public to be Prepared

Nor’easter systems are potential hazard as the season changes to winter

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center reminds the public that hazard preparation is a must before any season, whether it’s ahead of hurricane season that ended in November or the nor’easter season that runs until March.

Residents and property owners are encouraged to check supplies, monitor weather conditions and take appropriate action if directed this winter season. Winter begins Saturday, Dec. 21.

“We are fortunate in Sussex County that the 2019 tropical season was one that was, for all intents and purposes, uneventful,” said Sussex County EOC Director Joe Thomas. “This is no time to let down our guard. The winter months present their own set of challenges, and nor’easters especially have historically been our more significant weather-makers.”

Over the years, Sussex County has experienced its fair share of harsh winter seasons, including the polar vortex that brought extreme cold to the region in early 2014, as well as back-to-back blizzards in 2009 and 2010 that closed schools, stranded motorists, scoured beaches and knocked out power across the county.

And already this season, Sussex County has seen its first taste of winter, with brief cold spells in October and November, and even a short-lived snow squall prior to Thanksgiving.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s seasonal outlook for this winter predicts better than average chances for warmer temperatures and wetter conditions in Sussex County.

Whatever unfolds this season, to ensure you are prepared for winter weather, Sussex County EOC suggests the following preventive actions:

Before the storm:

• Create a safety profile for your household with the county’s free Smart911.com service to provide potentially life-saving information in advance

• Spread an ice-melting agent on walkways and driveways to keep surfaces free of ice or 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, deicer for door locks, blankets, and sand or kitty litter to provide grip if your vehicle becomes stranded.

During the storm:

• Listen to television, radio, or NOAA weather radio for weather reports and emergency information

• Visit the Sussex County EOC website and its social media channels, including Facebook at http://facebook.com/SussexCountyEOC and Twitter at http://twitter.com/SussexCtyDE_EOC

• Eat regularly, 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, go to http://sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-preparedness and click on the other Hazards link on the left to download a guide about preparing for winter storms and other types of hazardous events.