Drive Safe - Be Prepared Winter Weather Safety Campaign

DEMA, OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY,

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, & i.g. BURTON AUTO GROUP PRESENT

DRIVE SAFE – BE PREPARED WINTER WEATHER SAFETY CAMPAIGN

 

Governor Meyer Proclaims December 1-5 Winter Weather Awareness Week

As Partners Promote Winter Safety and Preparedness at Sales Events

SMYRNA, Del. – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), the Office of Highway Safety (OHS), State of Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and i.g. Burton Auto Group are teaming up to observe Winter Weather Awareness Week from December 1 to 5, with a special focus on car safety.  i.g. Burton dealerships across Kent, New Castle and Sussex Counties will each be giving away 100 free Car Safety Packs during their winter auto sales events. Each dealership will feature displays with information to help drive home the key messages of winter road safety. 

 Participating Dealerships:

• i.g. Burton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Newark, 244 E Cleveland Ave, Newark, DE 19711
• i.g. Burton Toyota of Dover, 1536 N Dupont Hwy, Dover, DE 1990
• i.g. Burton Lewes Automall Chevrolet Buick GMC, 17861 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958

“As temperatures drop and winter weather makes driving more dangerous, we’re reminding Delawareans to be prepared, slow down, and stay safe,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “Winter Weather Awareness Week is an important collaboration between state agencies and local partners to raise public awareness, share safety tips, and provide emergency resources to families so that we can keep Delawareans safe.”

Along with cold temperatures, winter delivers increasingly dangerous travel conditions from snow and ice to high winds and diminished visibility. DEMA, OHS and DelDOT remind residents to Drive Safe, Be Prepared by taking steps to ensure road safety during inclement weather. 

Residents can visit preparede.org/winterweather to download a helpful check list of essential items (blankets, shelf-stable snacks, jumper cables, flashlights, windshield scrapers, flares or glowsticks, shovels) to winterize your Vehicle Emergency Kit.

“We always strongly recommend that people prepare an Emergency Kit of essential items. We encourage people to winterize their Vehicle Emergency Kits in case drivers are held up by hazardous weather conditions,” advised DEMA Director, A.J. Schall. “This type of automotive readiness helps keep drivers safe through the worst of winter weather.”

“Safety is key. If stranded for any reason, stay in your vehicle and wait for help,” added OHS Director Sharon Bryson. “Taking time now to prepare your vehicle can mitigate the impact of severe weather to keep Delawareans safe this winter season and beyond.”

Severe weather conditions can contribute greatly to dangerous road conditions which is why it is important to ensure vehicle maintenance such as checking the condition of tires, wiper blades and brake lights, along with maintaining proper antifreeze levels and sufficient gas for longer trips. Along with that, having essential items such as water, shelf-stable snacks, blankets, phone charging cords, and glow sticks can ensure passenger safety even in the worst weather situations.

"We are delighted to promote winter weather awareness to ensure that motorists are well-prepared to weather any storm, shared Charles Burton, President, i.g. Burton Auto Group. “Passenger enjoyment and safety is paramount.”

“Safety on the roads is our top priority, and it’s important for drivers to be prepared and adapt their driving to the conditions especially during winter storm events,” said Secretary of Transportation Shanté Hastings. “Please slow down and stay several car lengths behind our snowplow operators, for their safety and yours!”

Snow totals from winter storms last year forced the temporary closure of state offices in Kent and New Castle Counties. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted the presence of La Niña in October of this year, suggesting the possibility of a warmer winter than last year, Delawareans should still be prepared for the seasonal winter weather mix of freezing rain with the potential for snow and ice. DEMA always recommends that everyone Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Stay Informed on the latest conditions. Visit PrepareDE.org for more resources. Taking time now to prepare can help residents mitigate the impacts of winter weather hazards whenever they occur.  

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

1. Stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories, and warnings.
2. Register your mobile numbers with the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions in Delaware.
3. Follow DelDOT’s traffic advisory radio stations, WTMC, for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM.  Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app. which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions. 
4. In inclement weather, stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.
5. For disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, call 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379 to reach the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) Transportation Management Center (TMC). For general information, call 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600.

Automotive Safety:

1. Check your tires and windshield wipers and replace if needed.
2. Make sure that windshields are completely clear of snow and clear snow from the tops of vehicles and the beds of pickup trucks.
3. Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
4. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of their vehicle.
5. Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you. Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than high beams.
6. Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
7. Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see. Reduce your speed.
8. Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way. Take precautions such as allowing for extra reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or traffic light.
9. Never pass a snowplow.
10. Always wear your seatbelt.

Winter Preparedness:

1. Build a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit. Learn how at PrepareDE.org.
2. Dress in layers appropriate for the conditions and learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
3. Prepare your home and car for extreme cold temperatures, such as weatherproofing your house and winterizing your vehicle by checking or replacing lights, tires, wiper blades, and other items. https://preparede.org/emergency-types/natural-hazards/#winter-storms
4. Bring pets or animals in during winter storms and freezing temperatures and stock pet supplies.
5. Preparedness takes a team: “buddy up” to help those with access and functional needs.

The National Weather Service-Mount Holly (NWS) issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings, and advisories. NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area. Learn more: ArriveAliveDE.com | PrepareDE.org 

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware's economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.