Smyrna, DE – As the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, we must be reminded of the hazards winter brings. Every year, winter weather conditions such as snow and freezing temperatures cause deaths, injuries, illnesses, and property damage in Delaware. Last year’s mild winter is not an indicator of what’s to come this year, so the time is now to brush up on some winter weather terminologies and start […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday shared the following news from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Health and Human Services (HHS), Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and Dover International  Speedway (DIS) have partnered to open a […]

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS), Delaware State Police (DSP), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after coordinating with stakeholders, advocacy groups and the public recently unveiled the Delaware 2021-2025 Strategic […]

High Visibility Enforcement Against Impaired Driving Scheduled for March 11-21 in Maryland and Delaware Along US 13 and US 113 DOVER, DE (March 12, 2021) – This year St. Patrick’s Day may look a little different as Delaware continues to stress social distancing and COVID-19 precautions. But for those planning to celebrate with family and friends, […]

DELAWARE OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY LAUNCHES “BE ALERT AND ARRIVE ALIVE” CAMPAIGN DURING NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH Integrated campaign strategy leverages the reach and influence of Delaware businesses, community partners, and law enforcement to maximize distracted driving awareness  DOVER, Del. (April 8, 2021) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is leveraging the […]

Delaware- In 2014 the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) initiated the “Drive to Save Lives” campaign to reduce deaths on U.S. highways. The campaign targeted distracted and impaired driving, speeding, the use of seatbelts and the unsafe driving behaviors of operators of large trucks and buses. A combination of education and awareness, partnering with […]

[DOVER, DE] May 19, 2021 — During this year’s national Click It or Ticket seat belt campaign, which will take place May 24 through June 6, 2021, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (DOHS) will be teaming up with law enforcement nationwide for a Border to Border (B2B) kickoff event taking place on Monday, May […]

Strategic enhancements to the pedestrian safety campaign leverage grassroots influence and broad communications reach throughout Delaware DOVER, DE. (May 27, 2021) — This Memorial Day, The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is bringing back its “Walk Smart, Arrive Alive” campaign — with a few additions designed to expand its reach and impact on some of the […]

The OHS SoberLift program, presented in partnership with Lyft®, will be activated in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, and Ocean View nightly from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. beginning Thursday, July 1 and continuing through Monday, July 5, ending at 2:00 a.m.

The Results are in for the July 2, 2021, Statewide Checkpoint Activation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Cynthia Cavett, Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov DOVER, Del. (July 6, 2021) — Delaware law enforcement officers statewide arrested six individuals for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs at sobriety checkpoints on July […]

Updated 8/31/2021 at 6:00pm Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) along with local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring the remnant low from Hurricane Ida.  We continue to coordinate with the counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness if the system worsens.  The main threats are anticipated to include rain, […]

Resources announced following Recovery Resource Fair where agencies connected with more than 200 households WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Wednesday more than 200 households affected by last week’s storm found assistance at the Disaster Recovery Resource Fair hosted by the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the City of Wilmington, and […]

Media Contact: Veronica Marshall Traffic Safety Outreach Coordinator Veronica.Marshall@Delaware.Gov Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children – let’s change that OHS Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week September 19 – 25, 2021 [DOVER, Del.] September 15, 2021 — Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children, according to the latest National […]

Late October through November is prime time for increased white-tailed deer activity in Delaware, leading up to their peak mating season in mid-November. With more deer crossing roadways in the shorter days ahead, especially after the Nov. 7 change from daylight saving time back to Eastern Standard Time, motorists are urged to be on high alert to avoid collisions with these large animals.

Smyrna, DE – On September 17, 2021, Governor John Carney requested a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Delaware in response to the severe flooding that occurred as the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the region on September 1 to September 7, 2021.  The request included FEMA’s Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard Mitigation […]

Media Contact:Veronica Marshall Public Information Officer, Traffic Safety Outreach Coordinator Veronica.Marshall@Delaware.Gov   Plan to Arrive Alive this Halloween OHS increases DUI patrols October 29 – 31, 2021   [DOVER, Del.] October 27, 2021 — Spooky season is here. And while some people of all ages celebrate a good scare – the Halloween holiday can present […]

  DOVER, DE — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) “Walk Smart, Arrive Alive” campaign runs from January 16-30, 2022 statewide — expanding its reach and impact on some of the most at-risk pedestrian populations in the state. This communications campaign aims to discourage risky pedestrian activities and encourage the adoption of safer walking […]

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all of Delaware and a Gale Warning is in effect for coastal areas and the Delaware Bay.  Plan ahead now and be prepared.

SMYRNA, DE: February 28th to March 4th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware.  Severe Weather Week Proclamation 2022.  From significant flooding to tornadoes and snowstorms, the past several years have seen active weather events across Delaware and throughout the region.  Knowing about the weather hazards and how to prepare can make a life-saving difference.   […]

SMYRNA, DE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) proudly highlights the work of the Delaware Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (DEVOAD) over the past year.  For their dedication to providing help to Delawareans in need, DEVOAD members Martin Brett and Ellen Udovich were honored with the 2021 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award during a virtual ceremony […]

The collaborative law enforcement Border-to-Border effort kicks off March 15, 2022, as police agencies in eastern Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia team up for this high visibility, life-saving enforcement wave on Route 13 during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period.

From left to right: Jana Tidwell from AAA Mid-Atlantic, Delaware State Police Sergeant Heather Pepper, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Daria Benson and family (DelDOT), Tom Neubauer (Kiewit), Jason Sacco (DelDOT), Sarah Powell and family (DelDOT), Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski at NWZAW event in Wilmington The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) encourages everyone to take […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), in support of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety’s (OHS) Motorcycle Safety campaign, urges both motorists and motorcyclists to create a safer ride through education and awareness. Motorcyclists of all skill levels, both novice and advanced can […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 9 through 13 Delaware Flood Awareness Week to inform residents about flood risk, likelihood of flooding from extreme weather events brought on by climate change, the importance of having a flood insurance policy, and flood remediation for property damage or loss.

An estimated 43,000 people were killed on U.S. roads last year, the highest number in 16 years according to data released this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 10.5% jump over 2020 numbers was the largest percentage increase since NHTSA began its fatality accounting in 1975. The 139 fatalities on Delaware […]

Division of Forensic Science Annual Report Finds Fentanyl Still Involved in More Than 80% of Deaths; Cocaine Link on the Rise NEW CASTLE (May 24, 2022) – In what health officials fear is another consequence of the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware’s overdose deaths increased more than 15% in 2021 to a record […]

Starting August 1 and 2 at Brandywine High School in New Castle County, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency’s (DEMA) Comprehensive School Safety Program will hold three two-day seminars – one in each county – to promote statewide adoption of the “Standard Reunification Method” by the I Love U Guys Foundation, considered the gold standard in reuniting students and their parents or guardians during any type of crisis: fire, flood, tornado, power outage, bomb threat, accident, or act of violence.

DOVER, DE — In June 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Large-Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act of 2022 making the possession of high-capacity magazines illegal in the State. In addition, the law authorizes the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to conduct a limited buyback program during which Delaware residents are eligible to […]

Governor Carney has declared September as Preparedness Month and urges everyone to “make a plan, build a kit, stay informed” to be prepared for emergencies. More than 35 organizations will be at “Family Emergency Preparedness Day” in Camden’s Brecknock Park on Saturday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event highlights public safety and readiness planning in a fun, family environment with activities, food, games, and demonstrations. Also this month, the PrepareDE.org website has relaunched with a new, mobile-friendly design featuring bright colors, easy-to-navigate sections, and a wealth of resources and fact sheets to help families get ready for almost any emergency.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and its Comprehensive School Safety Program will invest almost $1 million to enhance school security statewide by providing accurate and uniform maps for all of Delaware’s 19 public school districts and charter schools to enable law enforcement and first responders to react swiftly during emergencies in unfamiliar environments.

In June 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Large Capacity Magazine Prohibition Act of 2022 making the possession of high capacity magazines illegal in the State. In addition, the law authorizes the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to conduct a limited buyback program. Delaware residents are eligible to receive fair market […]

Use extra caution on the roads during the deer mating season is the warning to Delaware drivers from DNREC, OHS, and DSP.

The annual Safe Family Holiday campaign seeks to prevent the holidays from “getting ugly” by helping Delawareans avoid dangerous driver, passenger, and pedestrian behaviors. DOVER, Del. (Nov. 17, 2022) — Starting on Nov. 18, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) will begin its annual holiday safety campaign, designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths […]

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Delaware now has 139 traffic fatalities, reaching last year’s total of 139, the highest number since 2006. “Thousands of Delawareans will take to the roads in the coming days and weeks to visit friends and family near and far and no matter your destination, we remind drivers to put their […]

Winter storms can occur anytime and anywhere, sometimes with fatal consequences. Heavy snow, high winds, freezing rain, and extreme cold can knock out heat and power to homes and offices and cause hazardous driving conditions. Preparing now can help to greatly reduce any potential impacts from severe weather. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging everyone to take action: make a plan, build and stock home and car emergency kits with winter weather items, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Be sure to visit PrepareDE.org for additional resources.

NEWARK (Jan. 18, 2023) – Today, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, along with top leaders from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), led a community response briefing to provide the latest information about suspected drug overdose deaths in the state, current and emerging dangers […]

   Delaware Law Enforcement Partnership   January 27, 2023   The leaders of Delaware’s Law Enforcement Partnership and its members, together with the Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security are outraged by the actions of the Memphis Police officers who participated in the heinous crimes that led to the death of […]

The Delaware Judiciary welcomed its first “facility” or comfort dog to the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in partnership with the Delaware Capitol Police.

State Crash Data Now Available to Public Through Open Data Portal   Searching Delaware crash data is now as easy and convenient as logging on to the State’s Open Data Portal. “The crash data portal helps us give drivers the information they want and it is our hope that with this information, our citizens will […]

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including faith-based groups, can now apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which can reimburse up to $150,000 per site for physical and cybersecurity enhancements or other security-related activities for organizations at risk of a terrorist attack.* NSGP is funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and administered in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA). The deadline to apply is April 21 at 5:00 p.m.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has recently installed a wrong way driving detection and alert system on the Exit 95 off-ramp from SR 1 northbound to Bay Road and SR 10 (E Lebanon Road) near the Dover Air Force Base North Gate. The alert system is the first of its kind in Delaware to […]

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is reactivating its SoberLift program and bringing awareness to the negative consequences of driving under the influence. In addition, OHS is continuing to partner with State and local law enforcement to conduct DUI patrols through March 19th.  If your plans for the holiday include alcohol, make sure you plan for a sober driver.

March 20 to March 24 is "Severe Weather Awareness Week." In recent years, Delaware has experienced flooding, tornadoes, and winter storms that put lives and property at risk while adversely impacting the health, safety, and economic well-being of families, businesses, and schools. Learning about the different types of hazards will increase preparedness and help reduce the amount of devastation caused by severe weather.

Six pieces of legislation aim to improve safety on Delaware’s roadways SMYRNA, Del. – Governor Carney on Wednesday joined the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), members of the General Assembly, and advocates to announce a package of new initiatives and legislation designed to improve safety on Delaware’s roadways. […]

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, DelDOT, and numerous volunteer organizations are mobilizing resources and personnel to respond to yesterday’s statewide damage from severe storms and likely tornado in Sussex County. Officials confirmed a fatality at a collapsed structure along Tuckers Road southeast of Greenwood, Sussex County. It’s the first confirmed death from a tornado in Delaware since 1983 according to the National Weather Service.

The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is partnering with local and state law enforcement agencies across Delaware from April 1st – 30th  to conduct high visibility enforcement and support several mobilization initiatives during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month such as the Delaware State Police “Drive to Save Lives” initiative that took place Saturday, April 1st through Monday, April 3rd, 2023. This mobilization brought together multiple law enforcement agencies from Florida to Maine to focus patrols up and down the I-95 corridor, which aimed at keeping motorists safe and reducing fatalities on our roadways.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will distribute potassium iodide (KI) tablets to Delaware residents living within a 10-mile radius (also known as the Emergency Planning Zone or EPZ) of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.

DOVER, Del. (April 26, 2023) The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is teaming up with NASCAR Drivers Ross Chastain and Chad Chastain to encourage Delawareans to “Use Your Melon” and Drive Sober. On Friday, April 28th, OHS and Ross will be at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Dover 680 S Bay Rd, Dover, DE 19901 […]

Governor John Carney has proclaimed May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) along with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) encourages motorcyclists to ride smart and ride safely through education and awareness. Every year from April through November, DMV offers six motorcycle safety courses for various skill levels, […]

In conjunction with DNREC and DEMA within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Governor John Carney has proclaimed May 15 to 19 as Delaware Flood Awareness Week.