Emergency Preparedness in Dover, Delaware

Getting started

Start with what you already own. Walk through your home and note what you have for water, food, light, charging, first aid, and sanitation. Then fill the gaps that matter most for Delaware's hazards below. You don't need to buy everything at once — build gradually.

Hazards relevant to Dover

• HurricaneSee the hurricane guide
• FloodingSee the flooding guide
• Winter stormSee the winter storm guide

Household supplies

Plan for the people in your home. In Dover, consider whether you rent or own, whether you have a vehicle, and anyone with medical, mobility, or accessibility needs. Apartment and high-rise residents face different constraints than single-family homes — see the apartment kit for storage ideas that fit small spaces.

Communications and outage planning

Keep a written list of emergency contacts — household members, an out-of-area contact, your utility providers, and local emergency services. Keep your phone charged and a backup power bank ready. If you rely on powered medical equipment, talk to your provider about a backup-power plan.

Evacuation or shelter decisions

The right choice depends on the hazard, your building, and — most importantly — official instructions. Know how you'd leave Dover if told to, and how you'd shelter in place if that's safer. Don't drive through floodwater or enter restricted areas. Follow current instructions from your local authorities.

Seasonal review

Set a recurring reminder to check your supplies, rotate expired food and water, test flashlights and radios, and update your contact list. A quick seasonal review keeps your plan usable.

Printable worksheet for Dover

Use the printable 72-hour checklist as your starting worksheet. Print it, note what you already have, and add the local contacts you verify for Dover.

Nearby guides in Delaware