Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker Saturday signed an Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency in Wilmington.
The order includes the mandatory evacuation of the southeast section of Wilmington beginning at noon Sunday. The order affects 3,000 persons.
The evacuation zone in the southeast portion of the city is bounded by Vandever Avenue, Northeast Boulevard, Church Street, Front Street and South Market Street. This area is further bounded to the south by the city line just past the South Market Street Bridge and the Delaware River to the east.
Mayor Baker said it was necessary to issue his executive order as early as possible today to give residents living in the southeastern section of Wilmington ample time to make arrangements to stay with family and friends before the mandatory evacuation becomes effective on Sunday. The Mayor’s State of Emergency declaration does not, at this time, affect any business or government closings in the city nor does it affect travel. Additional announcements regarding these matters may be forthcoming.
Baker said the City of Wilmington will provide transportation to those residents living in the evacuation zone until 6 p.m. Sunday evening if needed. Buses from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department will shuttle evacuees to an emergency shelter operated by the Red Cross at William Penn High School in New Castle.
To arrange for transportation, evacuees are asked to call Constituent Services beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday by calling 302-576-2489.
Once the heaviest portion of the hurricane arrives, flood waters may make it impossible for emergency personnel to rescue those individuals who did not follow the evacuation orders.
Mayor Baker said Wilmington residents should be prepared for high winds in the range of 35-45 MPH sustained, with wind gusts to 65 MPH. Rainfall is expected to also begin Sunday, with an accumulation of 4-8 inches through Tuesday. Residents should be prepared for the possibility of losing electric service for several days due to downed trees and wires.
The City will open its Emergency Operations Center at 8 a.m. on Sunday from which the City’s emergency response to the hurricane will be managed throughout the duration of the storm. All emergency calls should be directed to 911. as is always the case.
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