CHAPTER 579
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
DOVER
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, a severe winter storm struck the State of Delaware on February 5 and 6, 1978, depositing in excess of 18 inches of snow as of this date and causing, by reason of accompanying severe winds, substantial drifts; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned snowstorm and severe winds immobilized and isolated the citizenry of Delaware in its homes and on the highways and roads of the State; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned snow and severe winds jeopardize the health, safety and property of the citizenry and threaten the livelihood of the many persons dependent upon the commerce and agriculture of the State; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the Governor to take all ordinary and extraordinary action necessary to mitigate the many hardships which threaten the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Delaware resulting from such natural emergencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, I PIERRE S. DU PONT, IV, Governor of the State of Delaware, by the authority of the powers vested in me under Article III, Section 1 of the Delaware Constitution and 20 Delaware Code, Sections 3125 and 3126, do hereby find and declare that a state of emergency affecting life, health and property within the State of Delaware exists. Accordingly, I do hereby impose the following restrictions for the duration of the State of Emergency now proclaimed:
1. All public vehicles equipped for snow removal or rescue, including vehicles of the Delaware National Guard, shall be mobilized, and all the public resources of the State shall be committed to securing the safety and welfare of the citizenry as expeditiously as possible;
2. U. S. Route 13 shall be closed to all non-emergency vehicles;
3. The State of Delaware, its Departments, Agencies, Boards and Commissions shall be closed on February 7, 1978, and from day to day thereafter as the Governor in his
discretion shall direct, except that all essential personnel as heretofore designated or hereafter designated by the officials empowered to do so shall report for work as usual;
4. Banks, Savings and Loan Companies, Building and Loan Associations, and Trust Companies of the State shall be free to close for business at the discretion of each such institution;
5. All citizens are requested to avoid traveling on any highway, road or street of the State, except in the event of a bona fide emergency, so that the roads may be cleared and emergency vehicles are not impeded;
6. All other public and private sector employers are requested to close for business;
7. The State of Emergency herein declared shall remain in affect until the issuance of a further proclamation by the Governor declaring its termination;
B. Every stationary vehicle shall be removed from the rights of way of all state highways and roads. The Secretary of Transportation shall have the authority to remove any vehicle which he shall deem to be blocking the right of way of any state highway or road such
that it is hindering the snow-removal operations of the Department.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I PIERRE S. du PONT, IV, have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixth day of February, 1978, at 10:30 p.m.
(GREAT SEAL) PIERRE S. DU PONT, Governor
GLENN C. KENTON, Secretary of State