New Castle County Emergency Management and Citizen Corps

06/06/2026

06/03/2026

Being around water can be dangerous—especially for young children. Children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, but drownings in all ages are 100% preventable.

✔ Never leave children unattended near water
✔ Use pool barriers, covers, alarms, and compliant drain covers
✔ Learn to swim and teach children water safety
✔ Swim with a buddy and know CPR
✔ Follow lifeguard guidance and posted warnings
✔ Watch weather conditions and leave the water if storms approach
✔ Be aware of rip currents
✔ Never dive into water if you don’t know the depth

Stay alert, stay prepared, and make water safety a priority for everyone.

06/01/2026

🌪️ Hurricane Season Begins Today 🌪️

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The time to prepare is before a storm is on the forecast.

🏠 Review your plans.
🎒 Check your emergency kit.
📍 Know your evacuation zone.
📱 Stay informed through trusted sources.

A few simple steps today can make a big difference when severe weather threatens. Review the preparedness tips in the graphic and make sure your family is ready for hurricane season.

Sign up for emergency alerts through the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) at https://dema.delaware.gov/preparedness/index.shtml?dc=dens

Access more resources for safety tips before, during, and after hurricanes at https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Prepare Today. Protect Tomorrow. Together.

05/26/2026

Summer is here!

✔ Fans alone aren’t enough in high heat + high humidity. Get inside in air conditioning or go to a public place like the library, museum, or shopping mall to beat the heat.
✔ NEVER leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles! Heat can rise in a car, up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
✔ During extreme heat, check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
✔ Roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows. Use awnings or curtains to keep the heat out.
✔ Use your oven less during extreme heat advisories and warnings so you don’t make your house hotter.
✔ Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond from the CDC:

Protect yourself and others when it’s hot outside

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

Extreme heat is dangerous for every member of the family — including pets. Animals can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion or burned paws during hot weather, especially when temperatures and humidity rise.

🐶 Help keep pets safe by:
• Providing plenty of fresh, cool water
• Ensuring access to shade or air conditioning
• Limiting walks and outdoor play during the hottest parts of the day
• Avoiding hot pavement and surfaces
• Watching for signs of overheating, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, or vomiting
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle — even for a few minutes. Interior temperatures can become deadly very quickly, even with windows cracked.
• If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

Families can stay safer during extreme heat by planning ahead, staying hydrated, and checking on both people and pets throughout the day.

05/21/2026

Children are more vulnerable to extreme heat because their bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults. Students, young athletes, outdoor program participants, and pregnant individuals all face increased risks during periods of high temperatures. Heat safety starts before symptoms appear.

Families, schools, coaches, and caregivers can help protect young people by:
• Encouraging frequent water breaks throughout the day
• Limiting strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat
• Providing shaded or air-conditioned rest areas
• Dressing children in lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Watching for signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, headache, nausea, or unusual fatigue

⚽ Important reminders:
• Playground equipment and pavement can become dangerously hot
• School buses and parked vehicles heat up rapidly
• Student athletes may need modified practices, extra breaks, or rescheduled activities during extreme heat

🤰 Pregnant individuals should also take extra precautions by staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged heat exposure, and resting in cool environments whenever possible.

05/21/2026

***Training Notice***

Today, Thursday May 21st, there will be an increased public safety (fire, EMS, police) presence at the St. Peter’s School complex while agencies from across the state conduct joint training.

05/20/2026

Extreme heat can impact entire communities — especially older adults, individuals without reliable cooling, people experiencing homelessness, and those with medical conditions. Checking in on others can save lives.

🤝 During hot weather:
• Call or visit vulnerable friends, family members, and neighbors
• Help others access cooling locations if needed
• Encourage hydration throughout the day
• Share trusted local weather alerts and safety information

📍Community resources may include:
• Cooling centers
• Libraries and community centers
• Public hydration stations
• Transportation assistance
• Emergency weather alerts

If you or someone you know is struggling to stay cool safely, contact 211, local community resources, or emergency services when necessary.