What is an Evacuation Zone?

Evacuation Zones encompass low-lying areas, susceptible to flooding and storm surge. When emergencies or disasters happen, officials issue evacuation warnings or mandatory evacuation orders for communities in impacted or potentially impacted Evacuation Zones. In Delaware, Evacuation Zones are identified as either A, B, C or D.

Why is an Evacuation Zone important?

It’s important to know your Evacuation Zone before a disaster strikes. Your zone includes specific evacuation routes for your area and proper guidance in the event of an emergency. Evacuating in a planned method by zone reduces unnecessary evacuation travel, roadway congestion and overcrowding, and allows for quicker, safer movement for everyone at risk during emergencies and disasters. Familiarizing yourself with your zone in advance provides time-saving opportunities for planning and preparation for you, your family and those closest to you.

Now that I know my Evacuation Zone, what do I do?

During an emergency event, Delaware State officials use the letter associated with the affected Evacuation Zone(s) when issuing an evacuation warning or order. Keep your specific Evacuation Zone information (A, B, C or D) in an easy to reach place, such as on your refrigerator or with other emergency information (like your emergency kit).

If you haven’t already, this is also a great time to sign up for emergency alerts through the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS). DENS is the primary system for public warning and emergency protective action information, allowing emergency managers to send messages down to the specific street, neighborhood or larger areas (like Evacuation Zones) affected by the event. Through DENS, you can receive alerts by text, call, email or social media, depending on the preferences you chose.

How will I know if an alert has been issued for my Evacuation Zone?

If you are signed up through DENS, you will receive an alert by text, call, email or social media, depending on the preferences you chose.

You can also tune in to local television or radio stations to learn which areas are affected by a potential storm and if/when an evacuation warning or order has been issued for your specific zone. A list of stations can be found here: Local TV and Radio Stations.

Follow DEMA and local government sources online for the latest news and information distributed directly by the State of Delaware.

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