Prepare Your Home and Vehicle

• Add the following supplies to your disaster kit in preparation for winter weather:
  • Rock salt to melt ice on walkways or sand to improve traction
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm
• Hire a contractor to check the structural stability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow or water if drains on flat roofs do not work.
• If you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to leave. In addition, check or have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
  • Antifreeze levels – ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
  • Battery and ignition system – should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
  • Brakes – check for wear and fluid levels.
  • Exhaust system – check for leaks and crimped pipes and repair or replace as necessary. Carbon monoxide is deadly and usually gives no warning.
  • Fuel and air filters – replace and keep water out of the system by using additives and maintaining a full tank of gas.
  • Heater and defroster – ensure they work properly.
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights – check for serviceability.
  • Oil – check for level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
  • Thermostat – ensure it works properly.
  • Tires – make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
  • Windshield wiper equipment – repair any problems and maintain proper washer fluid level.

• Water – one gallon per person per day, including water and a container for your pets
• Cell phone car charger
• First-aid kit and medications (list of first aid kit items towards bottom of page)
• Non-perishable foods that will not be affected by the heat in the car
• Emergency contact list (in waterproof container or sealed sandwich bag)
• Personal hygiene items – toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and soap
• Extra clothing
• Cash – ATM and credit card machines may be out of service in event of power outages
• Blanket, towel
• Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
• Basic set of tools, duct tape, ice scrapers shovel, and car emergency warning devices (flares or reflectors)
• Jumper cables
• Tarp
• Raincoat or poncho
• Gloves
• Kitty Litter (aids in generating traction for tires if your vehicle is stuck)
• Special-needs items for children – medications, toys, infant formula, and diapers
• Special-needs items for seniors or people with disabilities – medications, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, dentures and cleaner, and personal care items
• Pen, pencil, and paper in waterproof bag
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils

Tune into your local radio station for up-to-date information on Emergency Alerts, weather, and traffic. For more information about what the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is and how it works, visit Ready.gov Emergency Alerts (link opens in new tab).

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

• WDEL – AM 1150 / FM 101.7
• WTMC – AM 1380 (DelDOT Traffic Advisory Station)
• WILM – AM1450
• WSTW – FM 93.7
• WWTX-AM 1290
• WJBR – FM 99.5

KENT COUNTY

• WNCL – AM 930 / FM 102.1
• WDOV – AM 1410
• WDDE – FM 91.1
• WRDX – FM 92.9
• WDSD – FM 94.7
• WAFL – FM 97.7

SUSSEX COUNTY

• WJWL – AM 900 (En Español.)
• WGMD – FM 92.7 (Includes a Marine Forecast at bottom of each hour.)
• WZBH – FM 93.5 (Limited live hours.)
• WWSX – FM 99.1
• WCHK – FM 101.3
• WZEB – FM 101.7
• WJKI – FM 103.5
• WXDE – FM 105.9

Local Delaware TV stations

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

• WPP-TV 61

KENT COUNTY

• WMDE-DT 36

SUSSEX COUNTY

• WRDE-LD 31.1
• W14DK-D 14

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) All-Hazards Radio (link opens in new tab)

• Deldot App: Download the DelDot App for Events, Traffic Radio, Road Advisories, Traffic Alerts and more.
• For a list of up-to-date projects visit here
• The DelDOT Snow and Ice Maintenance Program recruits paid individuals to assist in maintaining the roadways within the State should a snow/ice event occur. To read more about this program please click here
• Real-Time Travel Advisories: These advisories are updated 24 hours a day and include only those incidents which have the potential to impact traffic significantly . To view this, click here.

The National Weather Service (NWS) provide weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.

For more information from NWS, please visit the following sites:

• National Website: weather.gov
• Local NWS page: weather.gov/phi
• Winter weather forecasts: weather.gov/phi/winter
• Weather radio information: weather.gov/nwr