Emergency Preparedness

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
WHAT TO DO IF DISASTER STRIKES

Town of Bethany Beach
214 Garfield Parkway
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
302-539-8011
www.townofbethanybeach.com

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Are you prepared?

The town of Bethany Beach is committed to emergency preparedness. planning and preparation is the key to survival. This booklet has been designed to help you and your family prepare for a disaster-related emergency. You can also find this information on our website: www.townofbethanybeach.com under Government, Public Safety.

Bethany Beach is exposed to a variety of hazards, both natural and man-made. Hurricanes,  severe coastal storms, flooding, fires, power outages, chemical spills, and even acts of terrorism are just some of the potential emergencies that we may encounter.

Imagine that you have no electricity, no gas, no water, no telephone service, businesses are closed, and you may also be without emergency services. What will you do until help arrives?  Are you prepared for a disaster? Read on to find out how to help your family develop a Disaster Preparation Plan and what to do in response to a specific disaster.

MAKE A PLAN

Following a disaster it is very possible that emergency response personnel may not be able to respond immediately to your needs. With this in mind, you and your family should develop a plan enabling you to be on your own for at least 72 hours following the disaster.

The steps below will assist  you in preparing for an emergency:

  • Designate an out-of-state contact person. You should select someone that is far enough away to not be affected by the same emergency. Inform this person of the whereabouts of you and your family, your situation, and ask them to notify friends and other family members. Long distance phone service is often restored sooner than local service.
  • Duplicate documents and keep copies off-site, possibly in a safety deposit box or with someone you trust. These documents may include: passports, driver's license, Social Security card, wills, deeds, financial statements, insurance information, and marriage licenses. Make an extra copy of your driver's license, deeds, and property tax receipts and carry them with you should you evacuate. You may need these as proof in order to re-enter your community following a disaster.
  • Inventory your valuables in writing and also with photographs or video and keep this information off-site with your other documents.
  • Review your insurance policies, are you properly covered, does your homeowner’s policy cover flood damage?
  • Make a household/family plan involving all key family members.
  • Make your home safe. Not only do you have to prepare, but you need to prepare your home as well.
  • Put together a disaster supply kit. You should have enough supplies for yourself and family for at least 3 days following a disaster.
  • Consider special needs of children, seniors, and those disabled.
  • Pets will also require attention and should be included in your plan.

HOUSEHOLD/FAMILY

It is essential to involve each family member when making disaster preparation plans. Discuss with them the importance of being prepared and the types of disasters that could affect Bethany Beach and your family. Show and explain to them the simple steps (below) that can insure their safety and reduce their anxiety regarding emergencies.

  • Make sure everyone knows where to find your disaster supply kit and Go-Bags.
  • Make sure everyone knows the location of a flashlight in case of power outage.
  • Know evacuation routes.
  • Know the numbers to call or the radio stations to monitor for a list of open shelters.
  • Make sure vehicles are at least half full of fuel at all times and fill them to capacity if time allows.
  • Plan in advance where to meet should family members become separated during an emergency.
  • Make sure each family member knows who your out-of-state contact person is and instruct them to call and tell them your whereabouts.
  • Make sure each person knows where and how to turn off gas, electric, and other utility mains should the need arise.
  • Instruct each member how to use a fire extinguisher.
  • Consider special needs of children, seniors, and those with disabilities
  • Consider needs of pets.

CHILDREN

Including your children when discussing and developing your plan is of the utmost importance. Follow these tips during the development of your plan:

  • Include your children in family discussions and planning for emergency safety.
  • Teach children their basic personal information so they can identify themselves and get help if they become separated from a parent or guardian.
  • Prepare an emergency card with information for each child, including his/her full name, address, phone number, parent’s work number and out of state contact.
  • Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get to them.
  • Regularly update your child’s school with current emergency information and persons authorized to pick up your children from school.
  • Teach children how to dial home and 911.
  • Role play with children on what to say if calling 911.
  • Make sure children how the location of an alternate meeting site.
  • Warn children never to touch wires on a pole or lying on the ground.
  • Role play with children on how to remain calm during an emergency.

SENIORS & DISABLED

It is highly likely that seniors and those with disabilities will require special assistance during a disaster or when an evacuation is ordered. Considerable thought should be devoted to your plan when considering their needs.
Additionally, The Town of Bethany Beach is fully committed to helping those people.
Should the need arise during an emergency situation, and if needed outside of your family plan, assistance to seniors and those disabled can be obtained by calling the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center at 302-855-7801 or the Bethany Beach Police Department at 302-539-1000.
Those calls will then be referred to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) who will provide transportation to a shelter specially equipped to handle those needs. At present there are three shelters in Sussex County designated for that purpose, all located in Georgetown, DE. Depending upon the type of disaster DEMA will determine which of those shelter(s) will be opened to handle the needs of seniors and the disabled.
This advice should be followed when developing a plan to care for seniors and the disabled:

  • SET UP A PERSONAL SUPPORT NETWORK - Designate someone to check on you in an emergency and to help with evacuation or sheltering-in-place.
  • PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANCE - If you receive assistance from a home healthcare agency or in-home support provider, find out how the provider will respond in an emergency. Designate backup of=r alternative providers that you can contact in an emergency.
  • FOR PERSONS USING A WHEELCHAIR - Plan for how you will evacuate in an emergency and discuss it with your care providers. If you use a motorized wheelchair, have a manual wheelchair as a backup.
  • FOR PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED - Keep an extra collapsible cane by your bed. Attach a whistle to the cane and use it if needed to attract attention. Use caution when moving around as items in  your home may become displaced during certain disasters.
  • FOR PERSONS WHO ARE HEARING IMPAIRED - Keep extra batteries for your hearing aids with emergency supplies. Consider storing your hearing aids in a container attached to your nightstand or bedpost so you can locate them quickly after a disaster.

BUILD A KIT

Usual services that we take for granted are often disrupted following a disaster. Running water, refrigeration, etc., are often unavailable. Emergency Preparedness experts recommend that you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Store your household disaster kit in a water-proof container where it is easily accessible.

Your basic kit should include:

  • Water - one gallon per day per person
  • Food - Non-perishable, ready to eat or requiring minimal water
  • Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
  • Plates, cups, utensils, and other feeding supplies
  • First Aid Kit and instructions
  • Copies of important documents and phones numbers
  • Warm clothing and rain gear for each family member
  • Heavy work gloves
  • Disposable camera
  • Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
  • Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
  • Plastic sheeting duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
  • Miscellaneous tools such as a crowbar, hammer, nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench, and bungee cords
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
  • Special-needs items for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • Books, reading material, entertainment
  • For each child include a favorite toy, book, comfort food and treats
  • Pet needs, such as water, food, and other supplies

GO BAG

A vital component of your disaster kit is your Go-Bag. A Go-Bag should be prepared for each individual family member with an I.D. tag attached. The below items should be placed in a backpack or similar easy-to-carry container in case you need to evacuate quickly.

  • Flashlight
  • Battery powered radio
  • Spare batteries
  • Dust mask
  • Whistle
  • Pocket knife
  • Emergency cash in small denominations
  • A change of clothes, sturdy shoes, a hat
  • Food and water
  • Paper, tape, permanent marker
  • Photos of family members and pet for identification purposes
  • List of emergency phone numbers List of allergies to drug or food
  • Copy of health and insurance cards
  • Extra prescription eyeglasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
  • Prescription medication and first aid supplies
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Spare keys to your home and vehicles
  • Special needs items for children, seniors, andthose with disabilities
  • Pet food and supplies
  • A local map
  • Homeowners Insurance, property tax records to prove ownership
  • Books, reading material, entertainment

Don’t forget to make a Go-Bag for your pets

PETS

Pets are an important part of your family. Prior disasters have proven that families are often reluctant to evacuate if not allowed to take their pets.
As of this writing, due to health and safety reasons, there are no local Red Cross shelters that accept pets. At the time of the emergency of disaster, you should call the Sussex County SPCA at 302-856-6361 for information on possible pet sheltering.

Regardless, you should carefully plan in advance as to where to place your pets during a disaster and who will care for them. Below are tips to consider when developing your plan:

  • If you evacuate, determine where your pet will stay.
  • If you will be staying with friends or relatives, make sure you bring your pet
  • If you are going to be staying in a motel make sure they will allow pets. 
  • Keep your pets vaccinated and have current records.
  • If you cannot take your pets, you should reserve space in a kennel or an animal clinic.
  • Ask if vaccination records are required.
  • When planning your Go-Bag make sure to include pet food and supplies.
  • Consider spaying or neutering your pet.
  • Having a portable pet carrier for each pet is a necessity.
  • Each pet should have a collar and identify your pets by license and rabies tags and/or micro-chipping.
  • Have a leash per pet
  • Remember that pets seem to sense danger and may react differently while under stress. Some may panic, hide, try to escape, or may even bite or scratch.
  • Take recent photos of your pets and have them available
  • For info on possible local pet sheltering call 302-856-6361 (Sussex SPCA)

FOOD

Depending upon the type and magnitude of the disaster it is very possible that you may not have access to food, water, and electricity for several days. It is recommended that you store enough emergency food for at least 3 days.
Below are tips and recommendations to follow:

  • Consider any dietary restrictions and preferences you may have.
  • Foods ideal for storing are: Shelf-stable (no refrigeration required) low salt, and do not require cooking (e.g. canned fruit, vegetables, peanut butter, jam, low-salt crackers, cookies cereals, nuts, dried fruit, canned soup or meats, juices and non-fat dry milk).
  • Most canned foods can be stored safely for at least 18 months. Low acid foods like meat products, fruits or vegetables will normally last at least 2 years. Use dry products, like boxed cereal, crackers, cookies, dried milk or dried fruit within six months.
  • Consider needs of infants and seniors such as formulas, baby food, and diet items.
  • Sore food in airtight, pest-resistant containers in a cool, dark place.
  • Mark a rotation date on any foods that do not have an expiration date.
  • After a power outage, attempt to keep your refrigerator door closed as much as possible. Food should generally be consumed within 4 hours. Food in a freezer will normally remain safe for 2 days.

WATER

It is very likely in a disaster that your water supply may become contaminated or even cut off. In planning you should store enough water that each family member will have an ample supply for 3 days.

  • Store one gallon of water, per person, per day for drinking purposes. Three gallons of water per person per day will also allow enough to cook and for limited hygiene purposes. Don’t forget to store enough for your pets also
  • If you store tap water you should store it in food grade plastic containers, such as clean 2-liter soft drink bottles. You can also purchase heavy duty reusable plastic water containers at sporting goods stores
  • Replace stored tap water with fresh water every six months
  • If you buy commercially bottled spring or drinking water keep it in the original container and don’t re-store once the seal is broken
  • Label commercially bottled water with their replacement date and store in a cool, dark place
  • Replace commercially bottled water once each year

TREATING WATER AFTER THE DISASTER:

  • Filter the water using a piece of cloth or coffee filter to remove solid particles.
  • Bring it to a rolling boil for about one full minute.
  • Let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Water must be cool or the chlorine treatment described below will be useless.
  • Add 16 drops of liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water, or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle of water. Stir to mix. Sodium hypochlorite of the concentration of 5.25% to 6% should be the only active ingredient in the bleach. There should not be any added soap or fragrances. A major bleach manufacturer has also added Sodium Hydroxide as an active ingredient, which they state does not pose a health risk for water treatment.
  • Let stand 30 minutes
  • If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, add 16 more drops of chlorine bleach per gallon of water (or 8 drops per 2-liter bottle or water), let stand 30 minutes, and smell it again. If it smells of chlorine, you can use it. If it does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

UTILITIES

Knowing the phone numbers of your utility companies and knowing how and when to turn off your utilities during a disaster cannot only save lives and injury but also prevent additional damage.
Each family member should know where and how to turn off utilities such as water gas oil and electric. You should review the procedures with each family member and also draw a diagram showing the locations of valves, switches, and disconnects.
Some utility companies providing services to this local area are: Miss Utility Lines of Delmarva (Call before you dig) - 800-282-8555.

Electricity:

  • Delmarva Power Delivery - 800-375-7117
  • Delaware Electric Cooperative Inc. - 302-349-9090, 302-349-9009 (Emergencies)
  • Electric Supply Choice Hotline - 877-746-7335

Telephone

Verizon
Residential Service – (800) 942-5000
Business Service – (800) 479-1919
Voice & TTY – (800) 570-8400
Repairs – (800) 275-2355

AT&T
Residential Service – (800) 983-7822
Business Service – (800) 973-7822

Sprint
Residential Sales – (800) 877-7746
Business Sales – (800) 877-2000

Television:

Mediacom – (302) 732-6600

Comcast
Main Number – (888) 266-2278
Advertising Sales – (800) 237-1046
New Accounts – (800) 295-8260

Water/Sewer:

Artesian Water Co.
South Bethany & Fenwick
(800) 332-5114

Bethany Beach Public Water Dept.
(302) 537-0851

Sussex County Public Works
(302) 855-7703

Sussex Shores Water Co.
North Bethany & Ocean View
(302) 539-7611

Tidewater Utilities
Frankford, Millville, Ocean View
(302) 734-7500

Natural Gas
Chesapeake Utilities, Natural Gas
(302) 734-6700
(800) 427-0015

PHONE

One of the worst things that can occur during and following a disaster is the loss of communications with family members, friends, and loved ones. Making plans and preparations regarding communications should be a vital part of your overall plan.

  • Do not count on your cell phone. Increased traffic on cell phone networks can quickly overload wireless capacity
  • Record an out-going message on your cell phone voicemail so that callers can be reassured of your safety
  • Long-distance phone lines often work before local phone lines so identify an out-of-state contact and provide this person with the contact information with the people you want to keep informed of your situation. Share this information with family and friends locally
  • Avoid making non-urgent phone calls after a disaster even if phone lines are un-damaged. Increased phone calls can jam phone circuits
  • Keep coins in your Go-Bag. Payphones are more likely to work before other phone lines
  • Cordless phones require electricity. Make sure you have a backup phone that does not require electricity

HOME SAFETY

There are simple steps you can take to make your home safer and more “disaster ready”. Start by viewing your home with a “disaster eye”, identifying potential hazards.

  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home and change batteries every six months
  • Move beds away from windows
  • Move mirrors and heavy pictures away from couches or other places where people sit Store heavy items on lower shelves
  • Secure or tie down lawn furniture, tools, or other objects that can become a projectile in high wind
  • Know the potential for flooding where you live and prepare accordingly
  • Hurricane-proof your home as much as possible
  • Reinforce all doors and windows
  • Install shutters or plywood window covers
  • Secure metal siding and metal roofs
  • Flood-proof your home as much as possible
  • Know how, when, and where to turn off utilities
  • Study the chemicals you have on hand to learn what can be stored near each other and what should be separated
  • Keep at least one ABC type fire extinguisher on each level of your home
  • Trim large trees and shrubs near your home Keep the roof of your home in top condition

FIRST AID

In any emergency or disaster it is possible you or a family member may sustain an injury. You should plan to have basic first aid supplies on hand to help those with injuries.

  • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
  • Cleaning agent / soap and antibiotic towels or wipes to disinfect
  • Disposable gloves
  • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
  • Burn ointment
  • Adhesive bandages in various sizes
  • Eye wash solution
  • Scissors
  • Over-the-counter medicines such as Aspirin or other pain reliever, laxative, and anti-diarrhea medication
  • Prescription medications such as insulin, heart medication, blood pressure, etc.
  • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure monitors

COMMUNITY

Often during a disaster, as resources become over extended, it takes the community working together to assist each other in time of need. Suggestions are:

  • Get to personally know your neighbors and others in your community.
  • Learn what resources and equipment they may have to assist you and vice versa
  • Share phone numbers of your family and close friends
  • Let your neighbor know where you may be temporarily located
  • Ask if a neighbor can check on your residence while you are away.
  • Learn if there is someone in your community in the medical profession

RECOVERY

Recovery and re-entry should be an essential element of your Disaster Plan. Homes and properties are often damaged and even sometimes destroyed, requiring displacement of your family while repairs and rebuilding takes place. An extreme financial burden is often placed upon you while insurance matters are being resolved.

Following a disaster Bethany Beach’s Damage Assessment Team will look for:

  • Debris on streets and down power lines
  • Flooded or washed out streets
  • Sewage in breaks, gas leaks, etc.

Based upon their assessment, and if an evacuation had been ordered, a decision will be made regarding re-entry by evacuees.

Depending upon the damage and hazards, it could be a full unrestricted re-entry, a partial restricted re-entry, or entry may be delayed until the Town is deemed to be safe for re-entry. It may also be ordered that you produce information at check-points. Personal identification, property tax records, deeds, etc., may need to be produced prior to re-entry. Depending upon the magnitude of the event and the extent of property damage, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency may be summoned to Bethany Beach to hold public Town Meetings for the purpose of explaining to property owners the recovery process, available finances, insurance matters, etc. For an in-depth review of the recovery process the FEMA website is an excellent source of information.

  • Walk carefully around your home and check for loose or down power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts call our Building Inspector at (302) 539-8011
  • Do not walk through floodwaters as dangerous debris may be just below the surface If the situation is unsafe call for help
  • Do not turn on any electric until you are sure it is safe to do so. Call an electrician if you are unsure
  • Stay away from sparking, broken, or frayed wires
  • Check the roof, foundation, and chimney. If it appears the building may collapse, leave immediately
  • Make sure all appliances are completely dry before using them
  • Check water and sewage systems
  • Throw out all food that may have become contaminated. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals

STORM/FLOODING

Because of being a coastal community, the Town of Bethany Beach is extremely vulnerable to hurricanes, intense “North-East” storms, commonly referred to as Nor’east storms, and flooding. Much of the incorporated limits of Bethany Beach can potentially flood. Because of the high probability of you being affected by a storm-related event your Family Disaster Plan should be geared toward this possibility.

  • Never ignore an order to evacuate
  • Know the evacuation routes. Rt. 1 and Rt. 26 are the primary evacuation routes from Bethany Beach
  • Be aware that these routes may also flood and become impassable as the storm nears and intensifies
  • Be aware of the storms intensity and projected path
  • Listen to your local radio and T.V. stations for local forecasts, other storm-related information, and a list of shelter openings and their locations
  • Remember, the greatest loss of life in a hurricane or intense north-east storm is from flooding, not winds
  • Make sure your survival kits (Survival Kit and Go-Bag) are current and contain necessary equipment, information, food, and supplies
  • Also consider the needs and safety of your pets
  • Make sure your vehicles are full of fuel
  • Remove lawn furniture and other loose objects from your yard and make sure your
  • property is ready
  • Tropical Depression – An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less
  • Tropical Storm – An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph
  • Hurricane – An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher
  • Official Hurricane Season – From June 1 through November 30

HURRICANE HAZARDS

  • Storm Surge – is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. Should it combine with normal tides it could create a surge of 15 feet or more
  • Inland Flooding – Has resulted in more than half the deaths associated with tropical storms in the U.S.
  • Tornadoes – Tornadoes are often associated with a hurricane and normally occur in the right front quadrant of the hurricane

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HURRICANE WATCH AND A HURRICANE WARNING

  • Hurricane Watch – means there is a possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within the next 36 hours. This should trigger your family’s Disaster Plan
  • Hurricane Warning – means sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within the next 24 hours. You should decide upon the safest location to be during the storm and to evacuate immediately if told to do so.

FLOOD SAFETY TIPS

  • Do not walk through flowing water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet
  • Do not drive through a flooded area. Most people drown in their car than anywhere else
  • Don’t drive around road barriers as a road or bridge may be washed out
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrocution is also a major killer in floods. Electrical current can travel through water. Report downed power lines

NO POWER

Power outages often accompany disasters. If power is lost in your neighborhood:

  • Turn off and unclog appliances and computers
  • Leave one light on to indicate when power is restored
  • If possible, avoid using candles. They are a fire hazard
  • Do not use a gas stove for heating or operate a generator indoors (including the garage) as they are a potential for carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Traffic signals may be out, treat as if they are a stop sign.
  • See Utilities and Food

EVACUATION

Being told to evacuate is no doubt disruptive and inconvenient, but it is done to save your life and the lives of your family members and loved ones. Title 20 Section 3117 of the Delaware Code gives law enforcement and those assisting the authority to direct and compel an evacuation.

Once an evacuation order is given, the Bethany Beach Police Department, and the Bethany Beach Fire Department, will begin a door to door notification of the evacuation order. Each person contacted will be provided with a copy of the Evacuation Order, evacuation routes, and the phone numbers to call to learn of open shelters and locations are the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center (302-856-7366) or the Bethany Beach Police Department (302-539-1000).

Those that have special needs will be referred to the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center who will contact the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). DEMA will arrange transportation for those with special needs to a special needs shelter located in Sussex County.

To further inform residents living within Bethany Beach the Bethany Beach Police Police Department will also utilize our Code Red Phone System, and if needed, the State’s reverse 911 systems to notify residents of the evacuation order. (Go to www.townofbethanybeach.com to sign up for Code Red.)

If the evacuation is hurricane related it will be our goal to have the evacuation completed 24 hours in advance of tropical force winds (40mph) reaching our coast.

If you are one who ignores an evacuation order, you should be reminded that you will be jeopardizing your life and those of your family, and that there will likely be a time during the storm or even that you will be on your own. Your call for assistance will not be answered, as emergency and rescue personnel will not venture out during the height of the storm.

Evacuation tips:

  • Use suggested evacuation routes (From Bethany use Rt. 1 or Rt. 26)
  • Leave quickly
  • Keep a full tank of gas in your car Take only one car per family to reduce congestion and delay
  • Consider those family members that have special needs. Take prescription medicines, eye glasses, hearing aids, and infant needs
  • If you do not own a car, make transportation arrangements with a friend or contact the Bethany Beach Police Department (302) 539-1000 who will make arrangements for you Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow evacuation instructions
  • Be alert for washed out roads and bridges
  • Do not drive in flooded areas Stay away from downed power lines
  • Contact phone numbers listed above for available shelters and locations
  • Inform relatives are your out-of-state contact where you are going
  • Take your Go-Bag with you to the shelter
  • Secure your home, close and lock all doors and windows. Unplug electrical equipment. Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in
  • Consider taking extra items such as blanket, pillow, air mattress, towel, washcloth, diapers, food, and supplies for infants
  • Consider the needs of your pets and ask where pet sheltering is available

FIRE

In case of a fire you should:

  • Remain calm and get out
  • If you see smoke under a door do not open that door and find another way out
  • Feel the door with the back of your hand. If it is hot do not open the door and find another way out
  • Drop to the floor to avoid smoke and fumes. Crawl to safety
  • If your clothes catches on fire, Stop where you are, Drop to the ground, and Roll over and over to smother the flames
  • Call 9-1-1 from a safe location
  • If you are trapped in a burning building, stay near a window and close to the floor. If possible, signal for help

TERRORISM

The primary objective of a terrorist is to create widespread fear. Terrorism may involve devastating acts using weapons of mass destruction. These weapons range from chemical agents, biological hazards, a radiological or nuclear device, and other explosives. If there is a terrorist attack it is suggested that you:

  • Stay calm
  • Be vigilant
  • Report suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or the Bethany Beach Police Department (302) 539-1000
  • Look out for and be aware of secondary hazards such as falling debris or additional attacks
  • Expect traffic delays and restrictions, restricted access to public buildings, and possible searches of bags and purses
  • Avoid large crowds and other public gatherings
  • Do not travel into areas affected by the attack
  • Closely monitor news reports
  • Be prepared for possible evacuation
  • Avoid passing unsubstantiated information and rumors
  • Follow the instructions of the Bethany Beach Police Department and other emergency responders

LIGHTNING

In a continuing effort to place public safety as a top priority the Town of Bethany Beach has a Lightning Monitoring System in place. Lightning is the most dangerous and frequently encountered weather hazard people experience each year and is the number-one cause of storm related deaths. There are approximately 100,000 thunderstorms in the U.S. each year and Americans are twice as likely to die from lightning as from a hurricane, tornado, or flood. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates there are 200 deaths and 750 severe injuries from lightning each year in the U.S.

Most lightning strikes occur either at the beginning or end of a storm and the average strike is six-miles long. Lightning reaches 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, four times as hot as the sun’s surface, with voltage in a cloud-to-ground strike reaching 100 million to 1 billion volts. 70% oif all lightning injuries and fatalities occur in the afternoon.

If you find yourself caught outside and unsheltered during a lightning storm, follow these safety tips:

  • Avoid being in close proximity to water
  • Avoid metal objects, power poles, fences, and gates
  • Avoid high mast light poles and metal bleachers
  • Avoid electrical equipment, mowing and road machinery
  • Avoid solitary trees, open fields, and high ground
  • If you feel your hair standing on end, and/or hear “crackling noises”, you are in lightning’s electric field. Immediately remove metal objects (including baseball cap), place your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low in a baseball catcher’s stance with hands on knees
  • Wait a minimum of 30 minutes from the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activities
  • People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to handle. Provide first aid care and immediately get medical help