RespondDE

12/31/2025

Volunteer! in the New Year❤️

Happy New Year, Delaware! 🎉
As we ring in the new year, consider resolutions you can start right here in Delaware:
❤️ Give back by volunteering through Volunteer Delaware
🎨 Get creative with art classes through the Delaware Division of the Arts
🌲 Explore more by visiting a Delaware State Parks you’ve never been to before
📚 Learn something new about our state at First State Heritage Park or through Delaware Public Archives
🏋️ Focus on your fitness with programs at the YMCA of Delaware or community recreation centers

Delly wishes Delawareans a safe, happy, and meaningful start to the new year.
All state offices are closed on New Year's Day.

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

Driving during harsh conditions in the winter can be difficult. Wet roads with rain or ice can quickly freeze and create further complications for drivers.

Slowing down and going easy on your brakes will go a long way in making your travel experience safer. Avoid hills or other roads that may be considered dangerous during icy conditions.

Visit preparede.org/winterweather/ for more information on how you can stay prepared this winter.

12/31/2025

stay safe this year and next

Experiencing power outages during winter is a reality many may face. Portable generators are great for winter storms and can help power essentials, but safety is an important piece.

Even smaller generators can produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide. Placing portable generators away from all doors, windows, and vents will prevent any odorless gas from potentially entering your home.

Visit preparede.org/winterweather/ for more on how you can stay prepared this winter season.

12/30/2025

Clear the way for accessibility this winter

Quick Tips for Small Businesses Some of us love snow-others hate it. Regardless, it has to be shoveled, blown away, or plowed for customers to get around. How a small business owner provides snow removal has a real impact on customers with disabilities, either making it much easier to get into the b...

12/29/2025

Habitat for Humanity is hiring! The new year is just over two weeks away and if you are looking for new career opportunities, we might have the open position you're looking for at habitat.org/careers. Search all of our opportunities and apply today!

12/29/2025

Step into 2026 with a refreshing First Day Hike on Thursday January 1st at one of your favorite Delaware State Parks!

At 11 a.m., join us for a First Day Hike at Fox Point State Park and explore the Riverview Trail along the iconic Delaware River. Meet at the main parking lot.

At 2 p.m., join us for a First Day Hike at Bellevue State Park through the Arboretum and the Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve. Meet at the Arts Center Patio.

Walk-ups welcome, no registration required. Free!

12/29/2025

12/23/2025

Arrive Alive this New Year❤️

Ring in the New Year safely 🎉🚗
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is offering New Year’s Eve Sober Rides to help Delawareans get home safely.

🚕 $20 Uber or Lyft ride-share vouchers are available to prevent impaired driving on one of the most dangerous nights of the year.
Sober Rides details:
- Voucher claims open: Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 3pm.
- Valid: Dec. 31, 5pm to Jan. 1, 3am.
-Availability: Vouchers are released throughout the day — check back if they’re temporarily unavailable

“As Delawareans come together to celebrate the new year, we want to ensure everyone gets home safely,” said OHS Director Sharon Bryson. “One impaired driving crash is one too many.”

🎆 Celebrate smart. Plan a sober ride.
👉 Learn more or claim a voucher at MySoberRides.com

12/19/2025

There when needed- thank you RI Medical Reserve Corps

The RI Behavioral Health Medical Reserve Corps’ Trauma Response Team (TRT) was rapidly deployed in response to the Active Assailant incident at Brown University, providing critical behavioral health and incident support throughout the overnight response.

In coordination with Brown University, Providence Emergency Management Agency, RI EMA, the RI Department of Health, and the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), TRT supported the establishment and operation of a Reunification Center on the Brown campus. Team members delivered behavioral health support to students and staff while also serving as subject matter experts to incident leadership during a complex, evolving incident.

The RI Behavioral Health MRC is designed to integrate behavioral health capabilities directly into emergency operations, helping to stabilize individuals, reduce acute stress responses, and support communities in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events.

At the same time, members of the RI Medical Reserve Corps provided incident management assistance, logistical support, operational support, and liaison functions. More than 30 MRC members deployed, many with little notice, demonstrating exceptional readiness and professionalism.

Operations were sustained from 4:30 PM Saturday afternoon through 5:30 AM Sunday morning, underscoring the commitment of volunteers and partners working continuously to support the Brown University community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all responders and partners involved. Our thoughts remain with the students, staff, and families affected as recovery continues.

Brooke Lawrence
Executive Director
rimrc.link/BLawrence

Medical Reserve Corps
Brown University
RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals
Providence, RI Emergency Management Agency - PEMA
Rhode Island Department of Health
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
Governor Dan McKee

12/19/2025

Respiratory illnesses can disrupt your respiratory system, leading to:

🤧Upper respiratory symptoms: Issues affecting your vocal cords and above, like a runny nose.
😮‍💨Lower respiratory symptoms: Problems below your vocal cords, like a persistent cough.
🤒Other symptoms: Tiredness, weakness, fever, and more.

If your symptoms worsen, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Find more information about what to do when you are sick here: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

12/19/2025

DPH is advising residents who live near Reynolds Pond Road in Ellendale, Sussex County that two racoons have tested positive for rabies.

The racoons involved were sent to DPH Laboratory, where testing confirmed both animals had rabies.

We strongly urge any residents in this area who believe they may have been bitten, scratched, or had saliva contact from a racoon since mid-November, to immediately contact the DPH Rabies Program at 1-888-295-5156. For more information on the DPH Rabies Program, visit http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/dpc/rabies.html. Letters to those in the affected area are forthcoming.

The public is reminded to avoid contact with wild or feral animals, including skunks, racoons, foxes, and feral cats. If you see a wild animal that appears sick or is acting strangely, do not approach it and report it to DNREC at 302-735-3600. For feral cats, contact the Office of Animal Welfare at 302-255-4646.