Sussex County encourages residents to re-locate

1530 Hours, Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009: Sussex County emergency officials are strongly encouraging residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas to prepare now to move to higher ground as a major coastal storm could cause severe tidal flooding over the next two days.

No evacuation order has been issued, and conditions at this time do not warrant such action, Emergency Operations Center Director Joseph L. Thomas said. County emergency planners, however, are recommending that residents in flood-prone areas seriously consider moving elsewhere – with friends or relatives – now before conditions deteriorate later tonight and early Friday morning.

National Weather Service forecasts call for high tides tonight and Friday to run as much as 4 feet above normal, with up to 4 inches of rain and winds as high as 55 mph in addition to that. Forecasters expect the worst conditions to occur during the overnight and early morning high-tide cycle, between 4:30 and 7:30 a.m. Friday.

“If you’re in an area that typically has these problems, now is probably the time to consider your options,” County Administrator David B. Baker said. “If you can safely move to higher, drier ground, it would be advisable to do that now rather than wait until overnight when higher floodwaters could make that impossible.”

Residents in low-lying tidal areas – particularly along Sussex County’s Inland Bays, Delaware Bay and possibly along the Nanticoke River – should expect moderate to severe tidal flooding during the next 24 to 36 hours. Residents and property owners should ensure submersible pumps are working, storm drains are clear of debris and automobiles are moved from flood-prone locations.

Those who are considering vacating their properties, and who need assistance in temporarily relocating, should contact the EOC immediately at (302) 855-7801.

Here are some helpful tips for all residents to keep in mind:

  • Be prepared to evacuate. Emergency managers will notify the public, via the media and automated telephone alerts, of an evacuation order, what areas area affected and when residents should leave. In the event you evacuate, take with you a storm kit, which should include:
    • Bottled water;
    • Non-perishable food;
    • A manual can opener;
    • Clothing;
    • Blankets;
    • Prescription medications;
    • Personal hygiene products;
    • A flashlight;
    • A portable radio;
    • Batteries;
    • Cash;
    • Special needs items (diapers, formula, etc.).
  • Take valuable and/or important papers with you;
  • Secure your house by locking the windows and doors. Turn off all utilities (gas, water, electric, etc.);
  • Notify a family member or someone close to you of your destination if you relocate.

With this storm, there is the possibility of downed trees and fallen power lines throughout the county, Mr. Thomas said. Residents, visitors and property owners should be cautious, and should never approach downed power lines. If there are downed power lines, members of the public should contact the proper authorities. As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Sussex County is bringing in additional staff to its EOC later this evening. Meantime, Sussex County Emergency Medical Services will activate a mobile paramedic unit in the Bethany Beach area this evening to ensure advance life support care is available on both sides of the Indian River Inlet, regardless of whether Del. Route 1 is affected by flooding.

For a complete list of current road closures, visit the Delaware Department of Transportation Web site at www.deldot.gov. To view a map of power outages in Sussex County, visit Delmarva Power’s Web site at www.delmarva.com and the Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Web site at www.delaware.coop.

The Sussex County EOC requests that residents and property owners with photographs of flooding or other storm damage send them through the County Web site. Visit sussexcountyde.gov to upload storm images.

For updates, stay tuned to local television and radio stations, and the Sussex County EOC Web site, at sussexcountyde.gov/emergency-preparedness. Members of the public who have questions regarding this information should contact the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center at (302) 855-7801.

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Media calls should be directed to EOC spokeswoman Debra Jones at (302) 855-7801 or Sussex County Chief of Public Information Chip Guy at (302) 854-5000.