Delaware designates May 18–22 Hurricane Preparedness Week

Delaware designated May 18-22 as Hurricane Preparedness Week as state agencies pushed residents to get ready before the Atlantic season begins on June 1. Governor Matt Meyer issued the proclamation on May 15, according to the State of Delaware, and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency said the campaign is aimed at pre-season planning rather than waiting for a named storm. (news.delaware.gov) State officials said the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs through Nov. 30. Delaware’s messaging centered on stocking basic supplies, reviewing plans and understanding local risks. ### Why did Delaware set aside May 18-22? May 15 was the date Delaware announced the preparedness week, saying the state was using the days before June 1 to focus public attention on hurricane planning. (news.delaware.gov) The state said Meyer’s proclamation covers May 18 through May 22 and was issued in anticipation of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. DEMA said the effort includes state, county and local agencies and is intended to help communities reduce threats from hurricanes and tropical storms. The state news release said Delaware is the nation’s lowest-lying state, a factor officials cited in stressing hurricane risk. (news.delaware.gov) ### What are officials telling residents to do before June 1? Delaware officials urged residents to prepare before any storm is named, with advice centered on emergency kits, household plans and supply checks. The state said residents should make sure they have food, water and other essentials in place ahead of outages or service disruptions. (news.delaware.gov) The Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s public guidance also directs residents to review evacuation information, sign up for alerts and think through needs for pets, medical issues and family communication. Those recommendations are part of the agency’s broader hurricane readiness materials posted on its website. (news.delaware.gov) ### What does Delaware say about the 2026 season outlook? The State of Delaware said “below normal storm activity” is anticipated in 2026, citing preseason expectations in its May 15 announcement. The same release said that lower projected activity does not remove the need for household preparation before June 1. (news.delaware.gov) State messaging did not frame the week around a specific storm threat. Instead, the release focused on readiness steps residents can take before forecasts turn urgent, including supply stocking and planning for evacuation or sheltering needs. (dema.delaware.gov) ### How does this fit with what other coastal communities are saying? Longboat Key, Florida, held a disaster preparedness seminar on May 14, and local coverage said speakers there urged residents to take forecasts and warnings seriously before hurricane season begins. The event was organized through the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and promoted by the town as a hurricane readiness seminar for residents and businesses. (news.delaware.gov) Your Observer reported on May 19 that the Longboat Key panel addressed common misconceptions, shared forecasts and emphasized serious preparation ahead of the season. That message matched Delaware’s focus on acting before a storm is approaching rather than after watches and warnings are issued. (news.delaware.gov) ### Where can residents find the next steps? June 1 is the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and Delaware officials said preparedness information is available through DEMA as Hurricane Preparedness Week runs through May 22. The governor’s proclamation and the state’s guidance were posted by Delaware on May 15, with DEMA continuing to host hurricane planning materials for residents. (yourobserver.com) (news.delaware.gov)