Delaware declares Hurricane Preparedness Week

Governor Matt Meyer on May 18 put Delaware’s Hurricane Preparedness Week into effect, after issuing a proclamation covering May 18 through May 22, 2026, and urging residents, businesses and community groups to prepare for severe weather emergencies. The proclamation says the week is meant to help people learn hurricane risks and take practical steps before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1. Delaware emergency officials are using the week to push residents toward supply kits, evacuation planning, property protection and official alert systems. ### Who declared the week, and what exactly did the proclamation say? Matthew Meyer, Delaware’s governor, signed a proclamation declaring May 18 to May 22, 2026, as Hurricane Preparedness Week in the state. The document encourages residents, businesses and community organizations to take “proactive steps” to prepare for severe weather emergencies. The governor’s proclamation lists the main hazards Delaware officials want people to think about now: storm surge, high winds, heavy rainfall and flooding. (news.delaware.gov) It also says the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, or DEMA, and the National Weather Service work with state, county and local agencies on planning for tropical storms and hurricanes. ### What are Delaware officials telling residents to do this week? (news.delaware.gov) DEMA said the preparedness push is focused on actions residents can take before a storm is on the map. State messaging highlighted emergency supply kits, evacuation plans, securing property and staying informed through trusted information sources. WGMD reported that the May 18-22 campaign includes public guidance on mitigation steps, emergency kits, evacuation planning and business continuity. (news.delaware.gov) The state proclamation similarly says preparedness by individuals, families, businesses and communities can reduce hurricane impacts and save lives. ### Why is Delaware emphasizing hurricanes before June 1? June 1 is the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and Delaware officials are framing the week as a pre-season reminder rather than a response to an active storm. (news.delaware.gov) DEMA’s state notice says the season runs through November 30. The proclamation says Delaware communities should understand hurricane risks before warnings are issued. That includes not only wind damage but also flood-related threats that can affect homes, roads and businesses. (wgmd.com) ### Which agencies are involved in the preparedness push? DEMA is the lead state agency named in the preparedness campaign, and its website says it coordinates emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services for Delaware. (dema.delaware.gov) The agency also promotes the Delaware Emergency Notification System, or DENS, for emergency alerts. State materials say DEMA is working with county and local agencies, along with the National Weather Service, during Hurricane Preparedness Week. (news.delaware.gov) WGMD also reported that state and local agencies were urging residents to help communities reduce threats posed by hurricanes and tropical storms. ### What should residents watch for next? May 22 is the last day of Delaware’s Hurricane Preparedness Week, but the larger calendar marker is June 1, when the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins. (dema.delaware.gov) Delaware officials say preparedness information and alerts remain available through DEMA and related state resources. November 30 is the scheduled end of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, according to DEMA’s state notice. Residents looking for next steps can use DEMA’s website for emergency-alert signups and preparedness information as the season approaches. (news.delaware.gov) (dema.delaware.gov)