Washington | September 1, 2010 - Today, the National Weather Service issued a Hurricane Watch for southern Delaware as Hurricane Earl is currently working its way up the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.  The Atlantic hurricane season is well underway as evidenced by Hurricane Danielle's impact this past week on Delaware's beaches, which included heavier than normal rip tides.  In light of the Hurricane Watch in effect for Earl, local authorities are currently preparing for its arrival on Delaware's shores as it makes its way up the coast.  I encourage all Delawareans to take the necessary steps to remain safe, and prepare for Hurricane Earl and any other storms that may occur this hurricane season by preparing an emergency kit, emergency plan, and continuing to follow weather reports.

Today also marks the first day of National Preparedness Month, which runs for the duration of September.  National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council, serves as a reminder for Americans to bring together the resources necessary to protect their families, homes, and places of business.

For the latest storm information, including advisories, tracking maps, and satellite and radar images, go to: www.noaawatch.gov or www.hurricanes.gov.

For your local forecast, direct your browser to: www.weather.gov.

For information on National Preparedness Month, and how to prepare a disaster kit for your home, create an emergency plan, and stay informed about flood risk, please visit www.ready.gov, www.fema.gov, and www.floodsmart.gov.