Make a Plan
Know where you’ll go, how you’ll communicate, and where your family will meet during an emergency.
Preparedness
Prepare Today. Protect Tomorrow.
Preparing for emergencies doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps today can make a big difference when emergencies happen. Sussex County Emergency Management encourages every resident to make preparedness part of everyday life.
Build a Kit
Gather enough food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other essential supplies for at least 72 hours.
Stay Informed
Sign up for emergency alerts, know your evacuation zone, and follow trusted public safety information before, during, and after an emergency.
A Community Approach
Effective preparedness depends on more than government agencies alone. It requires partnerships throughout the community to recognize hazards, share information, educate the public, and develop capabilities before an emergency occurs.
Through community programs, planning committees, public education, and partnerships, Sussex County works to strengthen awareness and encourage everyone to play a role in community safety.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program prepares residents to help themselves, their families, and their communities during emergencies.
CERT members receive training in basic disaster preparedness and response skills and can support the community when professional emergency responders may be overwhelmed or additional assistance is needed.
Hurricane Season
June 1st – November 30th
Whether you live in Sussex County or are among the millions of visitors here each year, there is no doubt that our coastal location has its rewards. But with those rewards comes the risk of hurricanes.
The resources listed below are dedicated to providing you with helpful information about what to do in the event of tropical weather. Being prepared for emergencies such as a hurricane can help reduce the panic and inconvenience that surrounds a disaster.
Flood Safety
With the heavy rains, nor’easters and winter storms that can affect our region, knowing the dangers of flooding and steps you can take to protect yourself is important. One way to ensure protection, at least financially, is through flood insurance. Most homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. To learn more, visit www.floodsmart.gov.
Other Hazards
Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. Provided by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Emergency Preparedness Disaster Kits
Preparation is key to potentially saving property – and lives – should disaster strike in any season. Take time now to gather helpful supplies in one place so you are ready to react to any emergency.
Disaster Supply Kit
Prepare a disaster supply kit with enough essentials to support your household for at least three days.
Water & Food
- Water: 1 gallon per person, per day
- Non-perishable food: 3-day supply
- Manual can opener if your food includes canned goods
- Mess kits: paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Health & Personal Care
- First aid kit and medications
- Personal hygiene items: toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, soap, hand sanitizer and moist towelettes
- Masks and disinfecting wipes
- Special-needs items: medications, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, dentures and personal care supplies
Light, Communication & Power
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Extra batteries — check expiration dates regularly
- Whistle to signal for help
- Cell phone power bank or car charger
Clothing & Shelter
- Change of clothing for each person, appropriate for the season and weather
- Sturdy shoes and rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Heavy work gloves
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Important Items
- Cash — ATMs and credit card machines may not work during power outages
- Copies of important documents in waterproof containers or sealed bags
- Recent photos in waterproof containers or sealed bags
- Pen, pencil and paper in a waterproof bag
Family & Household
- Children’s supplies: medications, toys, infant formula and diapers
- Garbage bags and plastic ties
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
Helpful Links
FEMA Library – Comprehensive collection of FEMA publications. You will find information on preparedness and mitigation, as well as an entire section of publications in Spanish.
Hurricane by American Red Cross – The official Red Cross Hurricane app for iPhone and Android devices
Hurricane Safety for Pets
Caring for animal safety during emergencies
Max Mayfield Discusses
Hurricane Intensification (0.2mb MP3)
Forecasts & Coordination (0.2mb MP3)
WATCHES, WARNINGS & ERRORS (0.3mb MP3)
Being Prepared (0.1mb MP3)
Having a Plan (0.1mb MP3)
PDF Documents
Prevention Power – How to reduce disaster damage
Avoiding Hurricane Damage – A checklist for homeowners
Building a Safe Room – Includes construction plans and cost estimates (FEMA & Texas Tech University)
Homeowner’s Guide to Retrofitting – A homeowner’s guide to hurricane retrofit
Avoiding Wind Damage – A checklist for homeowners
Hurricane Awareness Seniors – Action Guidelines for Senior Citizens
Against the Wind – Protecting your home from wind damage (Red Cross & FEMA)
Family Disaster Plan – All hazards guide to your family disaster plan (Red Cross & FEMA)
NFIP – National Flood Insurance Plan
Summary of Hurricane Products – A list of tropical weather products and where to find them
Mariner’s Tropical Cyclone – A comprehensive guide for mariners
Determine the Hurricane Danger Area – A diagram of the 1-2-3 rule for mariners
DISCLAIMER: Sussex County provides these links for reference purposes only, with no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness, or applicability of any information contained therein. References are suggestions only and do not necessarily constitute or imply an endorsement.