165 Brick Store Landing Road

Smyrna, DE 19977

302-659-3362 or 1-877-SAY DEMA

FAX 302-659-6855

NEWS

MEDIA ALERT

            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
            Wednesday, February 14, 2007                                   CONTACT:    Rosanne Pack
            6:30 p.m.                                                                                              (302) 222-6573
                                                                                                                                                           
SAFETY EMPHASIZED AS TEMPERATURES PLUNGE

This is more of the same, but emergency management officials and responders really appreciate it if media outlets can continue to remind listeners, viewers and readers to practice safety during these periods of extremely low temperatures, especially if winter storms lead to power outages. Downed trees and limbs are taking a toll on utility lines in some parts of Delaware and residents and businesses need to be prepared for safe survival without electricity for a few hours to a few days.
Delmarva Power is working to restore power throughout locations in New Castle County, but winds and falling trees have resulted in the number of those without power dropping and rising through the afternoon. Approximately 18,000 were without power in New Castle County at 5:30 p.m. Updated numbers are available on the Delmarva website, www.delmarvapower.com.

For those who lose power and have no alternate heat source or other location for evacuation, the American Red Cross is opening a shelter at 7 p.m., in Read Middle School in New Castle. In case of power outages, customers can contact their utility for information on cause and expected length of outage. The public should never try to move downed power lines or to move limbs or other debris that may be across downed power lines.
Delaware Electric Cooperative numbers are as follows: Sussex County, 349-9009; Kent County, 398-9009; New Castle County, 800-282-8595.
Delmarva Power numbers are as follows: New Castle County, 800-898-8042; Kent and Sussex counties, 800-898-8045.
As temperatures fall, residents are reminded that faucets left open to a drip or very slow trickle can help prevent pipes from freezing. If pipes are in a protected enough location, the heat generated by a light bulb may provide enough heat to prevent freezing.
For those who do experience frozen pipes, open flame should never be used to thaw pipes. Heat as produced by a hair dryer is usually sufficient. For stubborn frozen pipes, residents should consult their plumber or local hardware store.

Those who experience a power outage are advised to turn off all major appliances, leaving on one lamp that will show when power returns. This will help avoid an overload when power is restored.

Flashlights and battery operated lamps are recommended as a light source. Open flame lights such as candles can lead to fire.
If using a fireplace for heat, a screen should be in place at all times and care should be taken to keep all flammable materials away from the fire.
Portable heaters should be used with extreme caution and never left unattended where children or pets are present. Fuel burning heaters must be properly ventilated. Follow manufacturers’ instructions very carefully. A cook stove oven or top burners should never be used as a heat source.

With temperatures combined with wind chills dropping into single digits, residents are reminded that pets should not be left outdoors tonight. All pets should be provided with dry, protected shelter, preferably in a house or garage with a heat source. They should have ample fresh, unfrozen water.
If a gas generator is used as a power source, users must follow manufacturer’s instructions, it must be properly ventilated and not used in an enclosed space. For safety, dealers such as hardware and agricultural supply stores or electricians should be consulted before use.
Refrigerators and freezers will keep food cold and safe for several hours if they are not opened frequently. A full freezer will keep food frozen for more than 36 hours if kept closed. A partially full freezer can be filled with plastic containers filled with water before a storm. The frozen water will help keep food frozen and provide emergency water.
It is very important for people to monitor weather and power conditions closely. Radio, television and websites are valuable resources.   

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