EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER FIFTY-NINE

TO:     HEADS OF ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES 

RE:     NATIONAL GUARD SUPPORT FOR TROPICAL STORM OPHELIA

WHEREAS, a significant tropical storm in the form of coastal flooding and strong winds, along with periods of heavy rain, is currently underway in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the predicted weather may cause strong onshore winds with gusts up to 50 mph resulting in reduced visibility and dangerous conditions in the coastal areas, including dangerous rip currents and high tide cycles on Sunday; and

WHEREAS, the weather conditions have the potential to cause safety concerns for citizens, and county emergency operations personnel have requested that the Delaware National Guard pre-position some support units to assist with any necessary response and recovery activity; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 1, Section 171 of the Delaware Code, in the best interest of the State, the Governor may call out units or members of the Delaware National Guard to serve on state duty status to plan for any impending emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN C. CARNEY, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, do hereby direct and authorize:

1. The Delaware National Guard shall take precautionary or responsive actions as directed by the Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, upon request by local authorities.
2. I reserve the right to take or direct state or local authorities to take, without issuance of further written order, any other necessary actions authorized by the Delaware Code.
3. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and expire on September 25,

APPROVED this 23rd day of September 2023

John C. Carney
Governor

ATTEST:
Secretary of State

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