South Bethany

Emergency & Hurricane Information

Click here for IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

For updates on Emergency and Hurricane information, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, the Town’s website and news updates, and the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center Website below. 

Sussex Co. EOC Website: http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-operations-center

Sussex County’s hurricane homepage: http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/hurricane-information

Also follow along on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SussexCountyDE

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sussexde_govt

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SussexCountyDelaware

National Weather Service https://www.weather.gov/wrn/ 

Evacuation Routes

In case of a hurricane, nor’easter, etc., the following evacuation route is listed by the Sussex County Mapping and Addressing Department:

Evacuation Route

For further information on shelters, local weather advisories, etc. go to:

http://www.sussexcountyde.gov/hurricane-information

The Delaware Homeowners Handbook to Prepare for Natural Hazards can be downloaded at:
https://www.deseagrant.org/hazards/

Sussex County Storm Readiness

Know what hurricane WATCH and WARNING mean.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Secure/store patio furniture, outdoor decorations/ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and items that can be swept by the high winds. 
• 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.

• 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 by the first winds can be broken or 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 flooded. 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:

• 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.
• If the power has been off, check refrigerated and frozen food for spoilage. Dispose of questionable foods.