Slaughter Beach Delaware

"A Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary"

A Certified Wildlife Habitat Community

Council’s Corner

Just recently we welcomed spring to our quaint beach town.  Our resident Ospreys have arrived, and Bald Eagles have been observed.  Soon our migratory shore birds will arrive along with scores of Purple Martins.  Before we know it, our Diamondback Terrapin hatchlings will be making their journey from the sand dune to the marsh (please stop and move them across the road).  With an abundance of natural beauty around us, it is easy to overlook the fact that mother nature does have a dark side, namely extreme weather events.  During the spring our community is at a greater risk of flooding due to not only the amount of rain in a given weather event but the saturation level of the ground.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.  Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death.

Floods may:

  • Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.
  • Develop slowly or quickly.  Flash floods can come with no warning.
  • Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

Preparing for a Flood

Make a plan for your household, including your pets, so that you and your family know what to do, where to go, and what you will need to protect yourselves from flooding. 

  • Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.
  • Gather supplies, including non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days, in case you must leave immediately or if services are cut off in your area.
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container.
  • Create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property.
  • Move valuables to higher levels.
  • Declutter drains and gutters.
  • Install check valves.
  • Consider a sump pump with a battery.

Know Your Risk for Floods
Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to know types of flood risks in your area.  Sign up for your community’s warning system.  The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Purchase Flood Insurance
Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy.  Homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover flooding.  It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster.  Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

 If you are under a flood warning:

  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.  Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
  • Depending on the type of flooding:
    • Evacuate if told to do so.
    • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
    • Stay where you are.

Staying Safe After a Flood

  • Pay attention to authorities for information and instructions.  Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
  • Avoid driving except in emergencies.
  • Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. 
  • People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled.  Children should not take part in disaster cleanup work.
  • Be aware that snakes and other animals may be in your house.
  • Be aware of the risk of electrocution.  Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.  Turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock if it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris.  Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

Additional Resources

Thank you, and as always should you have any questions, concerns or comments please let us know.

Ben Monastero – For the Town Council

Secretary