Join Governor Markell and Senator Poore for Bicycling on June 14

Governor Jack Markell invites you to join him, and the students of Wilbur and Southern Elementary Schools, for a morning bike ride and signing ceremony as he signs HB 235, making bicycling the official state sport of Delaware.

The signing will take place on Saturday, June 14th

The bike ride will begin at 9 a.m. from Wilbur Elementary School, 4050 Wrangle Hill Road, Bear, DE.

Follow Senator Nicole Poor and Representative Valerie Longhurst to Southern Elementary School for the bill signing at 10 a.m.; 795 Cox Neck Rd, New Castle

Severe Storm Tips from the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. In 2013, the local American Red Cross Delmarva Region responded to 236 disasters and assisted nearly 350 families—139 of those families live in New Castle County. In addition to helping neighbors down the street after disasters like home fires, the Red Cross works year round to prepare our community by teaching First Aid/CPR and other critical skills, providing tips through their FREE mobile apps, and collecting lifesaving blood.

Did you know the Red Cross also works to support the men and women in our armed forces? From facilitating courses such as Coping with Deployment to serving as liaisons between military members and their families back home, the unwavering commitment of the Red Cross to members of the U.S. military, its veterans and their families continues to grow and develop more than a century after Clara Barton first recruited nurses to support the U.S. Army.

The American Red Cross is also part of the world’s largest humanitarian network with 13 million volunteers in 187 countries. They help respond to disasters, build safer communities, and educate future humanitarians. Each year, they reach an average of more than 100 million people across the globe.

If you would like more information on the American Red Cross, I invite you to visit their site at www.redcross.org/delmarva.

Severe Storm Tips

TORNADO SAFETY People should know how their community will warn them about the storm. Other steps include the following:

  • Download the FREE Red Cross tornado app onto mobile devices. People can use the app’s “I’m Safe” button to let loved ones know they are okay and find the location of Red Cross shelters. The app also includes a siren and warning alert that signals when a tornado warning has been issued, as well as an all-clear alert that lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or been cancelled.
  • Pick a place where family members can gather – the basement, a center hallway, bathroom, or closet on the lowest floor. Keep this place uncluttered.
  • Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile.
  • Watch for tornado danger signs – dark, greenish clouds, a cloud of debris, large hail, a funnel cloud or roaring noise.
  • Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or severe winds. If there is access to a sturdy shelter or vehicle, abandon the mobile home immediately and go to that facility. Do not wait until the tornado is in view.
  • If someone is caught outdoors, they should seek shelter in a basement or sturdy building. If they can’t do that, they should get into a vehicle, buckle their seat belt and drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If flying debris occurs, they should pull over and park, stay in the vehicle with their head down below the windows, covering their head.
  • Once you are certain your household is safe, check in on neighbors, friends and family to ensure they are safe and have everything they need. It is particularly helpful to check in on those who are elderly and/or have functional or access needs to ensure they are safe and well.
  • Stay informed about the moving weather system and share information and preparedness tips with those that live nearby.

 

FLOODING SAFETY If flooding is possible, people should be prepared to evacuate if ordered. Otherflooding safety steps are:

  • Pack adisaster kitincluding a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food for each person in the household and items such as a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, medications, sanitation and personal hygiene items, cell phones and chargers, extra cash and copies of important papers.
  • Download the Red Cross flood app for mobile devices. One-touch “I’m safe” messaging allows users to let family and friends know that they are out of harm’s way. The app gives simple instructions on what to do even if cell towers and television reception are down and lets people locate open shelters. Users can also receive NOAA flood and flash flood watches and warnings.
  • If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for someone’s area, they should head for higher ground and stay there.
  • Stay away from floodwaters whether walking or driving
  • Keep children out of the water.
  • Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood danger.
  • Share preparedness information with neighbors, friends and family to help them stay safe.
  • Once you are certain your household is safe, check in on neighbors, friends and family to ensure they are safe and have everything they need. It is particularly helpful to check in on those who are elderly and/or have functional or access needs to ensure they are safe and well.