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Delaware Emergency Management Agency
Recovery, Mitigation, and Community Support Newsletter
September 7th, 2023
DEMA DEMA
DEMA DEMA
PrepareDE PrepareDE
DEMA Recovery Assistance DEMA Recovery Assistance
View previous newsletter editions: Here
Hello and Welcome!
Welcome back readers! In this edition of the newsletter, we would like to start off by introducing and welcoming our new members:

Jennifer Walls  - Recovery Team Principal Planner
Phillip Cane - State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO)
Lakita Brown -  Management Analyst
Tara Wilbur -  Recovery Planner
Stephanie Swisher - Recovery Planner
Travis Tuson - Recovery Planner

 
Thank you for subscribing to our monthly updates
Team Recovery

The 109th edition of this newsletter features:
  • National Preparedness Month:
    • Delaware Family Preparedness Day
    • 2023 September Theme: Preparing for Older Adults
    • DE-PLANS: New Website for Older Adults and Emergency Preparedness
    • Older Adults Plan Ahead
    • Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS)
    • Preparedness Forum for Older Adults: Golden Ready
    • Online Resources for Older Adults
  • Hazard Mitigation:
    • Delaware Adopts FEMA-Approved Plan to Make State Stronger Against Disasters
    • 2023 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide
  • Public Assistance:
    • Public Assistance Grant Program Resources
  • Delaware-VOAD:
    • DEVOAD Overview
    • DEVOAD Debris Removal
    • DEVOAD Volunteers Needed
    • Food Bank of Delaware Mobile Food Pantries
  • Resources & Training:
    • Resources 
    • RASCL (Resilient and Sustainable Communities League)
      • Delaware Climate Leadership Academy
      • DNERR Estuary Expo
      • 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum
    • FEMA Region III Coffee Break
    • DEMA Training
    • FEMA Webinars
Want to add someone to the distribution list, have a story to share, or are experiencing issues receiving this newsletter because of firewalls or spam filters, please add Stephanie Swisher (Stephanie.Swisher@delaware.gov) to your email contact lists. You can review any past newsletter editions here.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Delaware Family Emergency Preparedness Day
Date: Saturday, September 23
Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM

Location: Brecknock Park, Camden DE
Cost: Free

Join us for the 2023 Family Emergency Preparedness Day. The event highlights public safety and readiness planning in a fun, family environment with activities, food, giveaways, and demonstrations. Last year, over 35 first response agencies and social service organizations participated, providing CPR training, car seat safety checks, a car extrication demo, state police helicopter, and appearances by Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog. There will be food as well as free Kona Ice for the first 500 attendees to complete an activity challenge. Visit: Family Preparedness Day to learn more. 
2023 September Theme: Preparing for Older Adults
Governor Carney is proclaiming September as Preparedness Month in Delaware to highlight the many ways families and businesses can make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed to be better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. The 2023 theme is Preparing Older Adults highlighting key challenges Delaware seniors can face when it comes to preparedness. September also coincides with the peak months for Atlantic hurricane season, which underscores the need for readiness. 
U.S. News reports Delaware is the 10th fastest-aging state in the U.S. The most recent U.S. Census estimates about 21 percent of the population is over 65, and more than 40 percent is 50 and older, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). According to FEMA’s 2022 National Household Survey, older adults were more likely than younger adults to know their evacuation routes, document and insure their property, safeguard their documents, and save for a rainy day. However, they were less likely to sign up for alerts and warnings, make a plan, practice emergency drills or habits, and get involved in their community.
DE-PLANs: New Website for Older Adults and
Emergency Preparedness
Visit: DE-PLANs
Delaware Equitable Planning for Local Adaptation Needs, or DE-PLANs, is a new website that Delaware now has to address these challenges. DE-PLANS offers a one-stop resource for aiding emergency management, resilience planning, and outreach for Delaware's older adults. 
 
Funded by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and administered by Delaware Sea Grant and the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration, the site combines Delaware-specific information with resources and GIS data to build state and local capacity and policy development. The platform compiles social vulnerability data, social services, infrastructure, and hazard information to support state, county, and local planning for emergency management preparedness and aging.
Built upon a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) framework, it features these valuable resources:
  1. Featured Themes that cover: Aging in Place, Hazard Mitigation, Preparedness, and Connectivity. This section blends survey data on what seniors consider their top priorities with links to in-depth fact sheets on “at-risk population” data for each of Delaware’s three counties and 57 individual municipalities. A Delaware Equity Analysis Tool maps focus areas in the state.  
  2. Delaware Demographics and Emergency Planning Map: is an interactive map with data layers that can be turned on and off to display important information such as hospitals, shelters, EMT and fire stations, pharmacies, senior living communities, and more.
  3. Case Studies: provide in-depth analysis of issues using “story maps” on topics such as “Delaware’s Aging Population and Flood Risk,” “Vulnerable Populations and Health Facilities,” a Delaware Food System Map, and other key issues.
For More Information:
Visit: Delaware Sea Grant
Email:  Danielle Swallow at dswallow@udel.edu
Call: 302-645-4258

Visit: University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration 
Email: Julie O’Hanlon at jusmith@udel.edu
Call: 302-831-6224
Older Adults Plan Ahead
  • Plan how you will communicate if you have a communication need.
  • Plan for foodwater, and essentials for you and pets or service animals. Research pet-friendly evacuation centers. Consider asking loved ones or friends outside of your immediate area if they can help with your animals.
  • Plan for your transportation if you need help evacuating.
  • Include items that meet your individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in your emergency supply kit.
  • Plan how you will have your assistive devices with you during an evacuation.
  • Make copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards.
  • Determine any special assistance you may need and include plans for that assistance in your emergency plan. For more detailed information, visit our page on planning for people with disabilities.
  • Create a support network of family, friends and others who can assist you during an emergency. Make an emergency plan and practice it.
  • Make sure at least one person in your support network has an extra key to your home, knows where you keep your emergency supplies, and knows how to use lifesaving equipment or administer medicine.
  • If you undergo routine treatments administered by a clinic or hospital, find out their emergency plans and work with them to identify back-up service providers.
For More Information Visit: Ready.Gov and PrepareDE.org 
Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS)
Stay one step ahead of emergencies! Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System and get updates about local emergency situations delivered right to your phone. Sign up today: DENS Registration.
Preparedness Forum for Older Adults
Date: September 12th
Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM EST
Register Virtual (Free): Here

Older adults and those who care for them can gain valuable knowledge on preparing for both natural and man-made disasters, increase their awareness of cybersecurity, and plan for healthcare needs.

Online Resources for Older Adults:
HAZARD MITIGATION
Delaware Adopts FEMA-Approved Plan to Make State Stronger Against Disasters

FEMA Region 3 and the state of Delaware are proud to announce the approval of Delaware’s 2023-2028 Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP). The state Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines risks and vulnerabilities faced by Delawareans, but also offers recommendations for protecting and improving resilience in the state. 

By developing and adopting the State Hazard Mitigation Plan, Delaware communities are now eligible to receive certain types of FEMA assistance, such as Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grantsPublic Assistance funds, and High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) funding. This allows federal funds to be directed to Delaware to protect people, their property, and the environment. The HMP was developed by the State Hazard Mitigation Council. The Council includes staff from state agencies, the University of Delaware, and representatives from Delaware counties and municipalities. 

Putting the Plan Into Action

Delaware’s Hazard Mitigation Plan does not just include hazards and vulnerabilities – it outlines solutions to lessen the impact from a natural hazard or disaster. The mitigation strategy section of the Plan identifies specific projects and funding opportunities for cities, counties, and the state to make Delaware more resilient and improve the economic, social, and environmental health of the state.

Some high-priority projects outlined in the mitigation strategy include: 

  • Protect and secure critical infrastructure and community lifelines to mitigate impacts from natural and manmade threats and make more resilient.
  • Create and promote a statewide climate resiliency educational campaign.
  • Assist local governments in developing strategies to protect wastewater treatment facilities from flooding. 
  • Designate shoreline zones for adaptation action. 
  • Fund projects to make hazardous dams safer.
  • Enhance the power grid and energy infrastructure to accommodate the national push for electrical vehicles (EVs) and the possible charging surge during an evacuation.
  • Identify sites that could serve as heating and cooling centers during extreme heat and cold events.
To learn more visit: FEMA Press-Release
 
If your organization wishes to apply for HMGP funding, please contact
Delaware’s State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO): Phillip Cane at Phillip.Cane@delaware.gov
2023 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program and Policy Guide

FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) programs provide funding for eligible mitigation activities that protect life and property from future disaster damage to build a more resilient nation. The HMA Guide provides helpful information for prospective applicants and subapplicants from state, local, tribal and territorial governments on the application and grant processes for four hazard mitigation grant programs. The 2023 HMA Guide update incorporates existing policies and guidance materials issued since 2015, simplifies and clarifies guidance, and incorporates strategic mitigation priorities. These revisions aim to create a document that is easier to navigate and use.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Public Assistance Grant Program Resources For All Disasters
DELAWARE-VOAD
The Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD) 
 
The DEVOAD serves as an umbrella organization to encourage collaboration, communication, and cooperation of volunteer organizations in response to State disasters. Contact Delaware VOAD State Chair, Toby French, at delawarevoad@gmail.com for further information or questions.
DEVOAD Debris Removal
Volunteers supported cleanup during the Volunteer Work Day event in Brookside on August 16th helping to clear debris from areas impacted by the severe storm in New Castle County on August 7th. Volunteers joined from United Way of Delaware, Delaware State Police, New Castle County Police, Delaware VOAD, and New Castle County Emergency Management and Citizen Corps.
DEVOAD Volunteers Needed
If you or your organization wishes to volunteer please email Vice Chair, Marty Brett, at mbrett5@verizon.net and DEVOAD will arrange work to fit the skills and number of volunteers available. 

Type Of Work:

  • Yard and alley cleanup with debris removal
  • Removal of drywall, insulation, and carpets
  • Replacing molding and baseboards

What You Need:
Long pants, sturdy shoes, and safety glasses. Depending on the work, heavy work gloves and a respirator mask (P100 Recommended) may also be needed. 

Please visit the DEVOAD site to learn more: devoad.org

Volunteers are needed to help distribute food at our large monthly distribution! Come spend a few hours helping our neighbors in need! 
 

New Castle County

When: Fri, September 15 at 8:45 AM

Where: 777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington, DE

Sign up to volunteer: Here
 

Kent County

When: Wed, September 13 at 8:45 AM

Where: 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901

Sign up to volunteer: Here
 

When: Mon, September 18 at 11:00 AM

Where: 604 N Walnut St Milford, DE 19963

Sign up to volunteer: Here
 

Sussex County

When: Mon, September 11 at 8:45 AM

Where: 20684 State Forest Rd, Georgetown, DE 19947

Sign up to volunteer: Here
 

If you are unable to attend the distribution, please visit www.fbd.org/get-help to learn about other ways the Food Bank and network partners can help you!

RESOURCES & TRAINING

Delaware Climate Leadership Academy

Daytime Classes: September 12th
Enroll by: September 8th

Evening Classes: September 18th
Enroll by: September 14th

Register: Here

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) administers the Delaware Climate Leadership Academy, which aims to build climate literacy and awareness in the state. DNREC has partnered with The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) to offer the program, which is ACCO’s Certified Climate Change Professional Change Professional® (CC-P®) Credential Training ProgramThe Academy also offers other opportunities, including digital resources and in-person networking opportunities focused on topics such as:

  • Understanding climate science and assessing vulnerabilities in your sector
  • Greenhouse gas accounting
  • Engaging community stakeholders
  • Addressing the public health implications of climate change
  • Promoting adaptive and resilient infrastructure
 DNERR Estuary Expo 
Date: September 18th & 19th
Time: 9:20 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 818 Kitts Hummock Rd. Dover, Delaware
Register: Here

In celebration of National Estuaries Week and the 30th anniversary of the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR), the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold a DNERR Estuary Expo. Presentations, demonstrations, site tours and hands-on experiences will focus on the key themes of the reserve and all of the reserve’s operations. Participants will register for between two and eight themed sessions. Lunch will be provided.

The 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum

Date: September 28th & 29th
Location: Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE
Register: Here

The Delaware River Watershed Forum serves as a fun and meaningful opportunity for Coalition members, legislators, watershed advocates, environmental and community organizations, agencies, foundations and charitable trusts, constituents and residents, businesses, and students to convene and collaborate on protecting the Delaware River Watershed. 

WEBINARS, TRAINING, & CONFERENCES

Providing Clarity on the New Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance


Date: September 20th
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. EST
Register: Here

FEMA has updated its state and local policies for hazard mitigation planning. These went into effect in April 2023. This new guidance can help you create a plan that protects people and property during future events. In this webinar, you’ll gain a Planner’s perspective on how these updated policies can benefit you and your community.

September
  • September 13: Working with the Media
  • September 26-28: ICS-300 Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
October
  • October 11-12: Local Damage Assessment
  • October 19: Rail Car Incident Response
  • October 19-20: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Course
Enroll in courses: Here
Stay Connected & Share With Your Networks! 
Want to add someone to the distribution list, have a story to share, or are experiencing issues receiving this newsletter because of firewalls or spam filters, please add Stephanie Swisher (Stephanie.Swisher@delaware.gov) to your email contact lists. You can review any past newsletter editions here.

We Hope You Are Well & Thank You For Reading!
Brought to you by the Recovery and Outreach Team at the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), in partnership with Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD).
Copyright © 2023 Delaware Emergency Management Agency, All rights reserved.
Community Support and Recovery Taskforce

Our mailing address is:
165 Brick Store Landing Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
(302) 659-3362

The Team:
Jennifer Walls, Principal Planner, Jennifer.Walls@delaware.gov
Phillip Cane, State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO), Phillip.Cane@delaware.gov
Tara Wilbur, Recovery Planner, Tara.Wilbur@delaware.gov 
Stephanie Swisher, Recovery Planner, Stephanie.Swisher@delaware.gov
Travis Tuson, Recovery Planner, Travis.Tuson@delaware.gov
Lakita Brown, Management Analyst, Lakita.Brown@delaware.gov

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