Disaster preparedness and climate change
We work with communities and stakeholders to mitigate natural risks to people and coastal infrastructure
Changes in the coastal environment, from sea level rise and storm-induced flooding to beach erosion and rip currents, pose significant threats to Delaware's communities, coastal economy, and people. Delaware Sea Grant partners with communities and stakeholders to identify weather and climate risks, promote adaptation strategies that develop resilience, and encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience across the coast.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Emergency preparedness
Helping residents of coastal Delaware prepare, no matter what comes their way
Building coastal resilience
Providing technical assistance and expertise to help communities build resilience to flooding, sea level rise, and other climate hazards
Beach and surf safety
Educating coastal visitors about how to stay safe while enjoying the beach
Capacity-building
Helping Delaware communities gain the knowledge, skills, and resources to mitigate or adapt to changing coastal conditions
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
DE-PLANs: Delaware Equitable Planning for Local Adaptation Needs
Older adults (65 years and over) are the fastest growing demographic in Delaware but they are an underserved community because of a lack of planning to address their needs.
Developed by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Delaware Sea Grant, and the Institute for Public Administration (IPA) to support equitable planning and adaptation, the Delaware Equitable Planning for Local Adaptation Needs (DE-PLANs) is a GIS-based platform that integrates demographic and social vulnerability data with hazards, social services, healthcare, and emergency services information to help inform disaster protocols, land use and transportation planning, and health care service delivery.
Workshops for community members
Delaware Sea Grant offers workshops tailored to the general population, for older adults, adults with special needs and their caregivers to help build residents’ preparedness for emergencies, whether caused by coastal storms or other factors.
Participants in past workshops have received training on evacuation routes and shelters, emergency supply kits, and managing health and mobility issues during the workshop and were given the opportunity to fill out an emergency health communications card. They could also engage with emergency responders, healthcare providers, agencies, and businesses who exhibited information on the services available to older adults before, during, or after emergency events.
Delaware Resilient and Sustainable Communities League (RASCL)
A partnership between Delaware Sea Grant, the University of Delaware, and numerous state agencies and non-profits, RASCL brings together community and business leaders, state managers, and scientists to share experiences and best practices for making communities more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Cape Community Coalition
Pervasive social issues such as food and housing insecurity can undermine a community’s response and recovery from future disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DESG became active in a local grassroots network called Cape Community Coordination for COVID-19 (CCC4COVID). The network has since been rebranded the Cape Community Coalition (CCC).
TOOLS AND RESOURCES
Flood Insurance Forum (Part 1): youtube.com/watch?v=ad994mwovqM
Watch: 2024 Flood Insurance Forum
This forum addresses some of the myths vs. facts about flood insurance coverage and the risk of flooding in Delaware. Find out how our risks are evolving, what it means for property owners and the insurance market, and what you can do to stay safe.
