LATEST WINTER STORM UPDATE (1-3-18 at 8:35AM):
The National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, New Jersey has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning Wednesday night and lasting through Thursday morning. Dangerously cold single digit temperatures and wind chills below zero are predicted along with accumulating snowfall.
CITY OF DOVER CITIZENS:
- The City of Dover Police Department will continue normal patrol operations throughout the duration of the storm and has a fleet of 4×4 vehicles prepared to continue to serve the City of Dover.
- The following streets must be cleared of parked vehicles within 1 hour of the first snowfall: Division Street, Water Street, Governors Avenue, and State Street. Vehicles not moved are subject to ticketing and towing at the owners expense by the City of Dover Police Department.
- City of Dover residents must clear their sidewalks of snow within 24 hours after final snowfall. This code is strictly enforced by City of Dover Inspections/Code Enforcement.
- The City is requesting that residents NOT leave trash cans and other items on the curb/sidewalks to allow room for the plows to clear the roadways without obstacles.
If possible, do not park on any roadsides to allow plows the ability to properly clear roadways.
TRAVEL:
The City of Dover Police Department strongly urges motorists to avoid any unnecessary travel once the snow begins to fall. Driving only puts you and public safety workers at risk. This also allows the plow drivers plenty of room on our roadways to properly clear the roads of accumulating snow. If you must travel, please follow the following recommendations:
PREPARATION TIPS:
- Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
- Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
- Flashlight
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Cell phone with chargers
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
- Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
- Tools/supplies for securing your home
- Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
- Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
- Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood or coal-burning stoves
- Routinely check on elderly family and neighbors
- Bring ALL Pets INDOORS
- Turn faucets on a low drip to prevent freezing of household pipes
- If pipes are frozen, DO NOT use a blow torch or other flame source to thaw them!!!
CODE PURPLE SHELTER INFORMATION:
Those who are seeking shelter should dial 211. An Intake Housing Specialist will be available to assist between the hours of M-F; 8-5. After hours calls to 211 will be directed to shelters with openings.
PETS:
***A Message from the Dover Police Animal Control Unit***
With temperatures below freezing, please remember to bring your pets inside in the cold weather, snow, and ice. Animal Cruelty is a crime in Delaware. If it is too cold outside for you, it’s probably too cold outside for your pets. If you must leave your pets outside, it is required they have adequate shelter, consisting of three sides and a roof, and fresh (unfrozen) water at all times. Wood chips are an excellent idea for bedding and allow for adequate drainage/drying. Blankets/towels will absorb moisture and can worsen the situation for the animal. A plastic covering or an unused thick door mat covering the doghouse entrance works excellent to keep the wind out if you need a makeshift door. Dover Police Animal Control will be conducting checks on animals in the City of Dover to ensure adequate shelter or water laws are followed and seizing animals if violations are found. Animal Cruelty in the City of Dover fines can range up to $100.00 per dog with stiffer penalties for violations of state laws. Please report any animal cruelty to the Dover Police Department 302-736-7111.