Christa Baird is the community outreach program manager for the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. You can find more preparedness, response and recovery information at preparede.org.
Hurricane Ian has sparked conversations about other “I”-named storms that have wreaked record-breaking havoc on our small, coastal state.
On Aug. 4, 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias produced a tornado that traveled 29.2 miles from Dover to Middletown, causing extensive damage. This was more than double Delaware’s previous record of 13 miles in 1988.
On Sept. 2, 2021, heavy rainfall from Tropical Depression Ida caused the Brandywine River in Wilmington to overflow, rising to 23.14 feet, breaking its previous record of 20.43 feet in 2014. Over 200 water rescues were performed. Residents within a 10- to 15-block radius near the Brandywine experienced devastating flood damage. Nearly all basement and first-floor belongings were destroyed. Vehicles were totaled. Many were without power for weeks. Financial loss due to inadequate insurance or emergency funds was substantial. Some are still dealing with mold issues, relying on volunteers for help.
There must be a better way to handle this, which leads us to resilience.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, resilience is “the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from and more successfully adapt to adverse events,” as defined by the National Academy of Sciences. As the number of extreme events and their cost to society continue to increase, we must strengthen our resilience. How do we do that?
Step one: Make a plan
Individuals and families should have a plan for sheltering in place and evacuating. Home damage can lead to contaminated floodwaters, gas line leaks or breaks and significant infrastructure issues. You may need to evacuate quickly. Having a plan will help.
If sheltering in place, prepare to be self-sustaining for three to five days. As we’re seeing in Florida following Hurricane Ian, safety officials and emergency responders will need to make sure it’s safe before making rescues. Pre-stage emergency supplies, such as nonperishable food items, water (1 gallon per person and pet per day), flashlights, batteries, medication, utility shut-off tools and a first-aid kit. Bring pets inside. Charge electronic devices. Fill the bathtub with water and the washing machine or coolers with ice. Have a written list of close contacts and their phone numbers. Identify meeting places: one outside of your home and one outside of your neighborhood. Build or restock your emergency kit.
At the community level, work with emergency management agencies for support. Budget for disaster response and recovery. Increase awareness and education among citizens. Support events like Family Emergency Preparedness Day and promote classes put on by local organizations and agencies. The Community Emergency Response Team program teaches basic preparedness, response and recovery skills. If you’re interested in learning about this program, email christa.baird@delaware.gov.
Step two: Build a kit
Have an emergency kit for every member of your family, including pets. In addition to the aforementioned items, include anything you would need if you were unable to return home for up to five days: clothing, hygiene products, pet supplies, electronic chargers, important documents, cash, medical supplies and more. You should also keep a travel kit in your car with seasonally appropriate safety items.
Step three: Stay informed
There are many ways to stay connected for information about risks and hazards.
For public warnings and emergency alerts, register for the Delaware Emergency Notification System for free today: de.gov/dens.
For those on social media, follow the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, @DelawareEMA, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Visit preparede.org/stay-informed to find Emergency Alert System radio stations and utility company contact information.
Allreadyde.org is a website with fantastic resources for people with disabilities.
Find resources and trainings about emergency preparedness and coastal resilience at deseagrant.org/hazards.
Sign up for Smart911 to make first responders aware of important information to help you faster in an emergency: smart911.com.
Do your own research and know the big myths about disaster programs. For example, the benefits of having a flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Program versus the small amount that homeowners might be eligible for under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance Program, a maximum of $41,000.
It is our responsibility to build resilience and keep our families and communities safe. Weather and climate hazards are increasing. We must adapt. Having a preparedness plan, a well-stocked emergency kit and access to accurate, up-to-date information are just a few simple steps we can all take to do this.
So what’s in your kit?
