State officials are calling for winter weather awareness during the first week of December.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency and PrepareDE are partnering with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, DelDOT, and the University of Delaware Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis to provide information on social media explaining the risks associated with winter hazards.
They will also provide tips on how to prepare for winter conditions like snow, ice, and extreme cold.
DEMA’s Jeff Sands explains the kind of tips you need to prepare for winter weather.
"Making sure that you've got an emergency kit in your vehicle that's capable of taking care of you and anything that your vehicle may need," said Sands. "Making sure that your homes are prepared for any kind of cold temperatures that we often experience in the state during the winter and also making sure that your pets and animals are prepared and that you bring them inside especially during extended cold periods."
Sands says after a volatile hurricane season, some winter storms can be worse.
"Ice storms have a pretty significant impact on our electrical infrastructure and can really pose a threat on the roadways. So we want people to take this time of year seriously," said Sands. "It's 2020 everybody likes to joke, what's next? Well, guess what it's winter weather and we should do everything that we can to prepare for it and make sure we have a safe and healthy season."
Even though the state did not experience any significant snow or ice impacts this past winter season, DelDOT reminds motorists to slow down and adapt to the road conditions while also giving the plows plenty of space on the road.
You’re also reminded to take time to remove snow and ice from vehicles before driving.
Winter Weather Awareness Week runs until December 11th.
