Delaware Office of Highway Safety Promotes National Child Passenger Safety Week from September 20 – 26, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contacts: Cynthia Cavett, Marketing Specialist & Public Information Officer Delaware Office of Highway Safety Cynthia.Cavett@delaware.gov 302-744-2743 DOVER, Del. (September 21, 2020) – Child Passenger Safety Week is a nationwide campaign that spreads critical awareness and […]

For the second time in two weeks, a DelDOT employee was seriously injured on Harris Road near Townsend in New Castle County yesterday while mowing grass. The employee was flown to the hospital as a result of the injuries he sustained and remains hospitalized. The driver was charged with driving without a license, not having […]

DOVER, DE – After completing a long and arduous process, the New Castle City Police Department became the fifth police agency to earn State accreditation through the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC). “The State accreditation process raises the standards for our law enforcement agencies and sets the bar for excellence. Earning accreditation has clear benefits […]

Late October through November is prime time for increasing white-tailed deer activity in Delaware, leading up to their peak mating season in mid-November.

State agencies encourage COVID-19 testing WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware this week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by St. Francis Hospital […]

State agencies encourage COVID-19 testing WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware next week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by New Castle County, […]

State agencies encourage COVID-19 testing WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware this week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by the Henrietta Johnson […]

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, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware next week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by New Castle County and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center. “As we prepare for the holidays, we need […]

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 […]

Delaware State Senate Spiros Mantzavinos, Chief Laura Giles, Elsmere Mayor Eric Scott Thompson, Secretary Nathaniel McQueen Jr. ELSMERE, DE – After completing a long and arduous process, the Elsmere Police Department became the seventh police agency to earn State accreditation through the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC). “The State accreditation process raises the standards for […]

[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 […]

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued by the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly for Sussex County with expansion of the Watch expected.

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 […]

The University of Delaware and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) have recently partnered on several new projects to aid the State of Delaware’s long-term recovery efforts from COVID-19. DEMA has provided support to the Institute of Public Administration at the Biden School, Delaware Sea Grant, and the Disaster Research Center to work on three […]

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 […]

Smyrna, DE – On Monday afternoon, Governor John Carney was notified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the request for Individual Assistance, as part of the major disaster declaration request for the State of Delaware, was denied.  The determination was made by FEMA that “the impact to individuals and households in New Castle […]

  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.   […]

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 […]

SMYRNA, DE: The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) encourages nonprofit agencies to begin preparing for the upcoming Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application period. NSGP is a competitive grant program that provides federal funding for physical security enhancements to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The annual grant guidance is expected to be released in May 2022 […]

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 […]

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 […]

"Get Prepared, Delaware!" That's the key message from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) as it offers tips and resources to help residents and visitors to get ready in case a hurricane or tropical storm impacts the First State.

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 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 […]

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) 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.

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 […]

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 […]