As meteorologists track the path of Hurricane Earl and prepare forecasts for its possible progression toward the East Coast, emergency planners at the Delaware Department of Transportation are looking ahead to the responses that could be needed in the event that the storm impacts the State of Delaware. In particular, DelDOT reminds Delawareans, particularly those living in low-lying or coastal areas, of established evacuation plans and their availability on the Internet.
In recent years, working in conjunction with appropriate emergency response agencies in Sussex, Kent, and New Castle counties, DelDOT prepared an All-Hazards Evacuation Annex for each county. The plan takes into account the different types of incidents that could create a need for small or large scale evacuations in various parts of the state. As a result, the emergency response agencies have a defined role in the event an evacuation is needed, and the orderly implementation of the plan will help ensure its effectiveness.
The evacuation plans can be found on the DelDOT website by clicking here.
Additionally, the evacuation routes that may be used in an emergency are also displayed on maps that are available at the same location.
DelDOT recommends that visitors and residents who are concerned about the possibility of evacuation due to Hurricane Earl or any storm or other type of incident should look over the plans and see how their area of the state will be handled. As a storm approaches, people should step up their own awareness of the status of the weather system and be prepared to take appropriate actions. If an evacuation is recommended or ordered, people should response early to avoid last minute traffic problems. They also should have a plan for their destination in the event of an evacuation, whether they are going to someone’s inland home, out of the area, or to a shelter. Up to date event transportation information can be found at www.deldot.gov.
For more information, visit DelDOT’s web site at www.deldot.gov.
