Associated Press
REHOBOTH BEACH — Government agencies are ready to respond to hurricanes or other emergencies, but Delawareans must take personal responsibility and do their part in preparing for emergencies, officials said Thursday.
At the invitation of Sen. Thomas R. Carper, D-Del., Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Craig Fugate met with Gov. Jack A.. Markell and members of Delaware’s congressional delegation to make sure the lines of communication are open between the state and federal governments.
Delaware Emergency Management Agency director Jamie Turner joined Mr. Fugate in briefing the elected officials.
"This is good government," Mr. Fugate said, praising Delaware officials for their proactive approach to emergency preparedness.
Gov. Markell said the key to emergency preparedness is constant communication among federal, state and local officials.
Mr. Turner said another key is making sure that Delaware’s residents, and the tourists who throng to its beaches in the summer, also stay informed.
"It’s very important that we all have a game plan," he said.
Mr. Fugate pledged that the federal government will be ready to assist if a hurricane or other disaster hits Delaware. But he and state officials said emergency preparedness starts at home with individuals, who need to stay informed and be ready leave at a moment’s notice if an evacuation order is given.
"It’s simple, folks," Mr. Fugate said. "Get a plan, get training, learn CPR, learn first aid ..."
Rep. Michael N. Castle, R-Del., said elected officials can do their part to ensure a proper response to disasters, but that they also need to know when to "get out of the way" and let emergency management officials do what they are trained to do.
"I think sessions like this can make a difference," he said after the briefing.
Turner said with a new governor and new U.S. senator, Democrat Edward E. "Ted" Kaufman, recently taking office, it was an opportune time for emergency management officials to schedule a briefing.
"It gives them an idea of what’s going on," he said.
Mr. Turner said that in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster, it could take from 24 to 60 hours to evacuate the southern Delaware beaches, depending on the time of year and number of people and vehicles.
Mr. Turner admitted that ordering the evacuation of the beaches during the height of the summer tourist season would be a "politically charged" decision for the governor, but said emergency management officials must do what they see is in the best interest of public safety.
"There is never going to be a perfect emergency," he noted.
