As the 4th of July holiday weekend approaches, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) advises motorist to expect heavy traffic volumes on roads throughout the state. AAA Mid-Atlantic is forecasting more than 116,000 Delawareans will travel at least 50 miles during the holiday weekend. In addition, DelDOT reminds motorists that there will be many pedestrians […]

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.

The 16th annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day returns on Saturday, September 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, DE 19934. The rain date is Sunday, September 18. September is “National Preparedness Month,” and attendees can get a wealth of resources and information to enhance their emergency preparedness – all in a fun, family environment. The event is co-sponsored by the Delaware Citizen Corps, Kent County Parks and Recreation, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), and the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Preparedness.

The BMW Championship begins next week at the Wilmington Country Club and will bring thousands of visitors to northern Delaware for the nearly weeklong event that concludes on Sunday, August 21, 2022. DelDOT is reminding residents and vistors to expect heavier traffic volumes on area roads during the tournament, and will be working with Delaware […]

The Delaware Citizens Corps and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency will hold a “CERT Basic Training Class” on Friday and Saturday, August 26 and 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day at the Clayton Fire Company, 300 East Street, Clayton, DE 19938.

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 […]

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is seeking applicants to submit projects for potential funding under the following mitigation grant programs: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program (BRIC), and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program (FMA). Applications are being accepted now and all projects must be submitted to DEMA no later than December 31, 2022.

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 […]

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging eligible tax-exempt nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, to prepare now for an upcoming Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) opportunity anticipated to be available for applications in early March 2023. NSGP provides funding for projects that enhance physical security and cybersecurity to nonprofits at high risk of a terrorist attack. Two requirements for NSGP applications are a Vulnerability Assessment and Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number. DEMA advises interested applicants to begin the process now because completing these prerequisites is often time-consuming.

   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.

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 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.

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 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.

To aid in the ongoing recovery process, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is announcing the following resources and assistance available to those affected by the recent deadly tornado in Sussex County on April 1.

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.

On June 30, 2022, Gov. Carney signed into law the Delaware Lethal Firearms Safety Act of 2022 prohibiting the manufacture, sale, offer to sell, transfer, purchase, receipt, possession, or transport of assault weapons in Delaware, subject to certain exceptions.  One such exception to the Act’s ban is for individuals who lawfully possessed, or who had […]

The joint initiative with the National Child Identification Program will provide Delaware families and law enforcement with new tools to locate missing children NEW CASTLE, DE– Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long joined NFL Hall of Famer Randy White, former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Jeremiah Trotter and state education and law enforcement leaders at the Garfield Park […]

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, DelDOT is reminding the public to expect crowded roads as AAA projects more than 42 million people nationally will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend. “Thousands of people will be visiting Delaware’s beaches and parks or traveling to see family and friends and we encourage […]

Governor John C. Carney, Jr. and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency are observing “Hurricane Awareness Week” from May 29 to June 2 by encouraging residents and visitors to “know your zone” and “get prepared” for the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on June 1.

The Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) is encouraging any Delaware resident interested in receiving an assault weapon certificate of possession in accordance with the Delaware Firearms Safety Act of 2022 to take action by making an appointment with the State Bureau of Identification. Over the past three weeks, DSHS provided Delaware residents […]

Sharon Bryson, former managing director of the National Transportation Safety Board, has joined the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) to lead its Office of Highway Safety. This week, the Department announced Sharon as the new Office of Highway Safety Director, replacing former Director Kimberly Chesser, who retired earlier this year. Most recently, […]

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Senate’s vote to confirm the Governor’s nominations of Josette Manning to serve as Cabinet Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services; Steven Yeatman to serve as Cabinet Secretary of the Delaware Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families; and Robert […]

Six pieces of legislation improve safety on Delaware’s roadways DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday joined the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS), members of the General Assembly, and advocates to sign a package of legislation designed to improve safety on Delaware’s roadways.   Today’s legislative package […]

Delaware’s Comprehensive School Safety Program (CSSP) is marking completion of several significant safety initiatives, including: 1) new high-resolution maps for every public and charter school, 2) implementation of standard response and reunification training in all districts, and 3) the release of a new comprehensive school safety plan to all 231 public and charter schools in mid-July. The new school safety plan is the first major update since the creation of CSSP in 2012 and will provide schools with the most current guidance to keep students and staff prepared for a wide range of emergencies.

This fall, many Delaware schools will launch a new School Safety and Wellness Suite that incorporates a comprehensive approach to alert administrators of serious situations while providing students with the necessary tools and resources to prevent or deter a situation from escalating.

SB 86 will require anyone obtaining a new motorcycle endorsement starting September 1, 2023, to wear a helmet and eye protection during the first two years of their endorsement. A civil penalty will be assessed to those found to be in violation.

Delaware Natural Resources Police investigation leads to the arrest of a 16-year-old male of Wilmington, DE, for an attempted carjacking at Bellevue State Park.

Nathaniel McQueen Jr., Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, announced Major Elmer C. Harris as the Chief of the Delaware Capitol Police. The Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and the Delaware Capitol Police (DCP) held a ceremony to mark the start of Chief Elmer C. Harris’s role as Chief of […]

The 17th annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day is on Saturday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, DE 19934. The event is rain or shine. September is “National Preparedness Month,” and attendees can get a wealth of resources and information to enhance their emergency preparedness – all in a fun, family environment. Exhibitors will offer interactive activities, games, promo items, and safety-themed giveaways. Event highlights include appearances by Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, and a vehicle extrication demo by the Camden -Wyoming Fire Company. The first 500 people who complete an activity challenge will get a free water ice from Kona Ice! For more information, contact DEMAPIO@delaware.gov

The Family Emergency Preparedness Day event scheduled for Saturday, September 23 at Brecknock County Park in Camden, Delaware has been canceled due to expected inclement weather from a pending coastal storm. Out of an abundance of caution, officials from participating agencies determined that the threat of high winds and precipitation would make the event unsafe to both participants and attendees.

As white-tailed deer mating season nears, Delaware drivers are advised to be alert around dusk and dawn when deer are typically most active.

Today the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) announced Sean E. Moriarty, Ed. D. as Executive Director of the new Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST). POST, now a new division within DSHS, was created through House Bill 206 and signed into law in August to replace the Delaware Council on Police […]

Delaware state officials are urging residents to be aware and prepare for potential flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday from a major storm that could bring at least 1 to 3 inches of rain with the heaviest rainfall expected to fall Tuesday night. The combination of heavy rain on already saturated ground with rivers running higher could lead to widespread and significant flooding.

New Castle County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency are urging residents to avoid driving after dark because of the expected heavy rain tonight and the risks from flooding. The National Weather Service has forecast periods of intense and heavy rain with high winds for this evening, which could cause small stream, river flooding, and coastal flooding – especially in the upper Delaware Bay. The National Weather Service is currently forecasting the Delaware Bay at Reedy Point to crest at 9.1 feet, near the record of 9.24 feet set on April 16, 2011. Currently, no evacuations are planned, but officials expect Delaware City to be temporarily inaccessible for a period.

137 fatalities were recorded on Delaware roads in 2023, a 16 percent decrease from 2022 when 164 fatalities occurred. Fatalities were down across all modes of transportation with a 13 percent reduction in pedestrian fatalities; 29 percent reduction in bicyclist fatalities; and a 32 percent reduction in motorcyclist fatalities from last year. “Reducing fatalities on […]

The Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA)  are issuing a travel advisory for this afternoon and evening due to poor visibility from heavier snowfall and freezing on road surfaces tonight as temperatures drop. The advisory is not an official Level 1 Driving Warning, but is meant to caution motorists of adverse weather conditions and to stay off roads if possible. If driving is necessary, motorists are urged to use caution and common sense.

The Delaware Marijuana Control Act, 4Del. C. Chapter 13 legalized the use of recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older. The newly created OMC has the responsibility to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this law.

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has released additional sections of the informal draft regulations for review. The sections of draft regulations released today include the sections related to tracking, product health standards, packaging and labeling requirements, and advertising. The Informal Comment Period on the OMC website omc.delaware.gov will close on March 29, 2024. […]

The Office of the Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) has released additional sections of the informal draft regulations for review. The sections of draft regulations released today include the sections related to testing, sampling, waste, disposal, appeals, variances, and fee schedules. The Informal Comment Period on the OMC website omc.delaware.gov will close on March 29, 2024. Once this informal […]

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski was joined by representatives of the Delaware State Police and AAA Mid-Atlantic on Monday at the 95/896 interchange project to call attention to the importance of safe driving in our work zones across the state. National Work Zone Awareness Week is held each April at the traditional start of construction […]

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is urging eligible nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, to prepare now for an upcoming Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) opportunity anticipated to be available for applications in April 2024. NSGP provides funding for projects that enhance physical security and cybersecurity to nonprofits at high risk of a terrorist attack.