Georgetown Residents Shelter in Place After HAZMAT Incident at Perdue Plant

GEORGETOWN, Del. – Residents in Georgetown were advised to shelter in place Wednesday evening following a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incident at the Perdue chicken processing plant. The incident prompted emergency alerts and road closures in the area.

The Georgetown Fire Company and Georgetown Police Department issued the shelter-in-place order around 6:30 p.m. after an apparent HAZMAT situation at the plant located at 20621 Savanna Road. Officials urged residents within a half-mile radius to remain indoors and avoid the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) sent an Emergency Alert System notification to the entire state at 6:21 p.m., though the message specifically addressed Georgetown residents. The alert stated, “This is an emergency notification from the Georgetown Police Department. Due to a hazardous materials incident at the Perdue plant, all residents are advised to shelter in place. Please remain inside until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Savanna Road and surrounding streets were closed as fire and police personnel responded to the scene. The Georgetown Fire Company posted updates on its official Facebook page, describing the shelter-in-place as a precautionary measure. Details about the nature of the HAZMAT incident remain limited, and Perdue has not yet issued a public statement.

Local news outlets, including WBOC and WDEL, are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to follow official guidance from local authorities until the all-clear is given.