 Governor Ruth Ann Minner declared a state of emergency prior to the arrival of the hurricane . The declaration also included for the activation of the Delaware National Guard to assist in hurricane related duties . Minner mandated residents in 13 low @-@ lying areas of Sussex County to evacuate . In all , 787 people evacuated across the state to seven emergency shelters set up by the American Red Cross . Officials began recommending visitors to leave potentially affected areas by three days before Isabel made landfall . Governor Minner mandated all schools to be closed on the day of the hurricane 's landfall , and recommended all residents in mobile homes to evacuate and for businesses to close . The University of Delaware preemptively canceled classes . The Cape May @-@ Lewes Ferry closed for several days in anticipation of the storm . The Delaware Department of Transportation planned to place restrictions on state roads in the event strong wind gusts were recorded . 
