IN THE EYE2020
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ABOUTABOUT THETHE COVERCOVER Hurricane George approaches the shore in Orange Beach at the Four Seasons pier in 1998 creating an artful contrast between the blackness of the storm in the south and the bright sunny day in the north. The beach was the dividing line. INSIDEINSIDE Photo by Jack Swindle 2019 recap 6 Another busy season projected 8 Hurricane map 10-11 2020 Hurricane names 11 Important Local radio/TV stations 12 apps to use Build an emergency kit 12 during a storm Before, during and after the storm 13 Baldwin County Emergency Management Baldwin County evacuation routes 14-15 Contains links to local, state, and federal resources, local weather, Baldwin County evacuation shelters 16 evacuation zone map, and Transportation to evacuation shelters 18 shelter information. Evacuation with pets 18 FEMA Receive emergency alerts and information. Provides safety notifications, emergency A specialty publication of Gulf Coast Media preparedness tips, and disaster resources. Publisher Advertising NOAA Now Parks Rogers Frank Kustura Provides the latest information [email protected] [email protected] from the National Oceanic and 251-943-2151 251-923-8129 Atmospheric Administration Managing Editor LouAnn Love including: hurricanes and tropical storms in the Atlantic, Allison Marlow [email protected] Pacific and Indian oceans; [email protected] 803-603-8044 mainland storms, including Design Bethany Summerlin the latest tornado and severe Paige Marmolejo thunderstorm alerts; worldwide [email protected] animated satellite views; the [email protected] 251-978-0497 latest marine conditions from the National Data Buoy Center; the ultraviolet index. Red Cross Flood App Prepare your home and family 901 N. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535 • 251-943-2151 in the event of a flood. 4 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com DURING A POWER OUTAGE, THE BRIGGS AND STRATTON GENERATOR PROVIDES POWER FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS Take Advantage of • Why buy a Briggs and Stratton SPECIAL SALE PRICES Generator System? • Patented Symphony II, Power *17KW Model #040610 Now $4,489 • Management technology allows With 200 amp Transfer Switch you to power more for less. • Smarter smaller and more fuel *20KW Model #040586 NOW $4,737 efficient. With 200 amp Transfer Switch • Briggs and Stratton a leader in energy innovation. *NEW 20KW Model #040588 NOW $4,953 Medium to Large Home With aluminum enclosure and • Durable all weather finish. New Managed Whole House Solution Stainless Steel Base • Electronic friendly. With 200 amp Transfer Switch Our new 17KW and 20KW Standby Generator is our • Remote monitoring system. smartest generator ever. It features ground-breaking power management technology, advanced safeguard- *All models include the Symphony II • Call today for a FREE on site ing features that meet rigorous industry fire protection Whole House 200 (SED) Transfer Switch estimate! standards and a new airflow design allowing flexible placement options. There has never been a better time to protect your family and biggest investment. *Prices may change without notice! Limited to products in stock! Come on over to ELBERTA HARDWARE! “We service and finance what we sell.” 25320 U.S. Hwy. 98, Elberta, AL 36530 • 251-986-5233
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RATE APPLICABLE TO NEW YANMAR COMPACT TRACTOR EQUIPMENT. RATE INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR EXTENSION OF CREDIT. ALL TRANSACTIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL AND SUCH OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS WE MAY REQUIRE IN OUR SOLE DISCRETION. ALL RATE, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN BASED ON RATE OF 0%. ACTUAL RETAIL PRICES ARE SET BY DEALER AND MAY VARY. TAXES, FREIGHT, SETUP, AND HOLDING CHANGES MAY BE ADDITIONAL AND MAY VARY. MODELS SUBJECT TO LIMITED AVAILABILITY. OFFER IS NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY OFFER. ***See your local dealer for limited warranty details and information. Certain restrictions apply. Engine Manufacturer specifications and programs are subject to change without notice. Images may not reflect dealer inventory and/or unit specifications. 2019 recap: another busy hurricane season
NOAA ond strongest hurricane on record in the Atlantic The 2019 Atlantic basin in terms of wind hurricane season, which (185 mph). In all, four ends on November 30, storms made landfall in was marked by tropical the U.S. during the 2019 activity that churned season: Barry, Dorian, busily from mid-August Imelda and Nestor. through October. “This season’s activ- The season produced ity ramped up in mid- 18 named storms, includ- August during the normal ing six hurricanes of peak of the season, as we which three were “ma- predicted,” said Gerry WEATHER.COM jor” (Category 3, 4 or 5). Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal NOAA’s outlook called tion.” tropical weather threat,” hurricane forecaster at for 10-17 named storms, This year marks the said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA’s Climate Predic- 5-9 hurricanes and 2-4 fourth consecutive acting NOAA administra- tion Center. “The above- major hurricanes, and above-normal Atlantic tor. “The expertise of our normal activity is con- accurately predicted the hurricane season. The forecasters, coupled with sistent with the ongoing overall activity of the only other period on upgrades like those to the high-activity era, driven season. record that produced four Global Forecast System largely by the Atlantic “During each and every consecutive above-nor- model and our next- Multidecadal Oscillation, hurricane season, thou- mal seasons was 1998- generation environmental which entered a warm sands of workers across 2001. Also this year, five satellites, helped NOAA phase in 1995. Condi- the federal government tropical cyclones formed and its partners save lives tions that favored more, coordinate with NOAA in the Gulf of Mexico, and protect property all stronger, and longer- to safeguard Americans which ties a record with season long.” lasting storms this year against the threat posed 2003 and 1957 for the The three major hur- included a stronger West by hurricanes,” said U.S. most storms to form in ricanes this season were African monsoon, warm- Secretary of Commerce that region. Of those, Dorian, Humberto and er Atlantic waters, and Wilbur Ross. “From three — Barry, Imelda Lorenzo. Hurricane weak vertical wind shear advanced warnings to and Nestor — made land- Dorian is tied with three across the western Atlan- business aid, the Depart- fall in the U.S. other hurricanes — the tic and Gulf of Mexico.” ment of Commerce stands “NOAA provided 1935 Labor Day Hurri- An average season has ready to help Americans around-the-clock support cane, 1988’s Hurricane 12 named storms, six hur- from a storm’s formation to communities before, Gilbert and 2005’s Hurri- ricanes, and three major to long after its dissipa- during and after each cane Wilma — as the sec- hurricanes.
6 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com
Another busy season projected
Weather.com ing similar atmospheric curred in 1992 and 1983. of each other. conditions. The 1992 season pro- In 2017, seven named The forecast released “Weighing all of the duced only six named storms impacted the U.S. last month by The factors, we have started storms and one subtropi- coast, including Puerto Weather Company pre- the bidding at 18 named cal storm. However, one Rico, most notably hur- dicts the 2020 Atlantic storms, nine hurricanes of those was Hurricane ricanes Harvey, Irma and hurricane season to be and four major hur- Andrew, which devas- Maria, which battered more active than usual. ricanes for the 2020 tated South Florida as a Texas, Florida and Puer- The outlook created by North Atlantic tropi- Category 5 hurricane. to Rico, respectively. Dr. Todd Crawford, chief cal season,” Crawford In 1983, there were Before that, the U.S. meteorologist at The said. “However, we only four named storms, was on a bit of a lucky Weather Company, calls think there is still some but one was Alicia. The streak. for 18 named storms, upside to these numbers, Category 3 hurricane hit The 10-year running nine hurricanes and four and that a ‘hyperactive the Houston-Galveston total of U.S. hurricane major hurricanes — one season’ like we had in area and caused almost landfalls from 2006 that is Category 3 or 2010 and 2017 is still in as many direct fatalities through 2015 was seven, higher (115-plus-mph play.” there as Andrew did in according to Alex Lam- winds) on the Saffir- 2010 tied for the third- South Florida. ers, a meteorologist at Simpson Hurricane most-active Atlantic hur- In contrast, the 2010 the National Weather Wind Scale. ricane season on record Atlantic season was Service. This was a re- This forecast is signifi- for named storms, with quite active, with 19 cord low for any 10-year cantly above the 30-year 19, 12 of which became named storms and 12 period dating to 1850, (1981-2010) normalized hurricanes. 2017 was the hurricanes. Despite the and considerably lower average of 13 named fifth-most-active season, high number of storms than the average of 17 storms, seven hurricanes with 17 named storms that year, no hurricanes per 10-year period in and three major hurri- and 10 hurricanes, in- and only one tropical that same span. canes. cluding major hurricanes storm made landfall in None of the U.S. land- Though the official At- Harvey, Irma and Maria. the U.S. falls from 2006 through lantic hurricane season Here are some ques- In other words, a 2015 were from major runs from June through tions and answers about season can deliver many hurricanes. November, storms can what this outlook means. storms but have little So it’s impossible to occasionally develop impact, or deliver few know for certain if a U.S. outside those months, What Does This Mean for storms and have one or hurricane strike will oc- as was the case in the the United States? more hitting the U.S. cur this season. Keep in previous three seasons There is no strong coast with major impact. mind that even a weak with Subtropical Storm correlation between the The U.S. averages one tropical storm hitting Andrea in May 2019, number of storms or hur- to two hurricane land- the U.S. can cause major Tropical Storm Alberto ricanes and U.S. land- falls each season, ac- impacts, particularly if in May 2018 and Tropi- falls in any given season. cording to NOAA’s Hur- it moves slowly and trig- cal Storm Arlene in One or more of the 18 ricane Research Division gers flooding rainfall. April 2017. named storms predicted statistics. The Weather Company to develop this season In 2019, there were How Much of a Role Will El outlook is based on a could hit the U.S. or two U.S. hurricane land- Niño or La Niña Play? number of factors, in- none at all. That’s why falls – Barry in Louisi- El Niño/La Niña, cluding Atlantic Ocean residents of the coastal ana and Dorian in North the periodic warming/ sea-surface tempera- U.S. should prepare Carolina. cooling of the equato- tures, La Niña and other each year no matter the In 2018, four named rial eastern and central teleconnections, com- forecast. storms impacted the U.S. Pacific Ocean, can shift puter model forecast A couple of examples coastline, most notably weather patterns over guidance and past hur- of why you need to be hurricanes Florence and a period of months. Its ricane seasons exhibit- prepared each year oc- Michael within a month status is always one fac-
8 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com tor that’s considered in 2020 expected storms hurricane season fore- casting. PREDICTED NUMBER OF STORMS: Eighteen named storms, As of early spring, a nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes are expected this weak Modoki El Niño season. was in place, but waters AVERAGE NUMBER OF STORMS: The 30-year normalized in March slowly cooled. average is 13 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major Crawford noted that this hurricanes. cooling trend will likely continue, and he ex- pects a transition toward responds with a more of mid-April. The Gulf tually become tropical La Niña conditions as active hurricane sea- of Mexico is also several storms — to get closer the spring and summer son because the cooler degrees above average, to the Caribbean and the progress. waters of the Eastern given recent heat and U.S. Long-range forecasters Pacific Ocean end up the lack of rain over the The prevalence of at both NOAA and Colo- causing less wind shear Southeast. Taken as a wind shear and dry air rado State University along with weaker whole, Atlantic Basin across the Atlantic will were generally in agree- low-level winds in the sea-surface temperatures also need to be watched ment with Crawford, Caribbean Sea. La Niña are currently at record- over the next six to eight suggesting that neutral can also enhance rising warm levels, “support- months. conditions (neither El motion over the Atlantic ing a big season,” Craw- If La Niña does kick Niño nor La Niña) are Basin, making it easier ford said. in, as many forecasters anticipated through the for storms to develop. But it isn’t ocean tem- expect, and the atmo- first half of the hurricane The La Niña years peratures in April that sphere responds to it, season (June through of 2010 and 2011 are will help boost or curtail there could be less wind August, or JJA), with among several tied for tropical systems; Rather, shear and more favorable either neutral or La Niña the third-most-active it is water temperatures conditions for hurricane conditions possible in Atlantic seasons on during the hurricane growth toward the end the second half (Septem- record (both years had season. of the season. ber through November, 19 named storms). The Climate models sug- How much dry air or SON). next La Niña year, 2016, gest that most of, if not rolls off the coast of Af- We should note here, was also active, with the entire, Atlantic Basin rica will also need to be before talking about the 15 named storms that will be warmer than av- monitored. Even if water impacts of a possible La included Category 5 erage during the peak of temperatures are very Niña, that the status of Matthew and three other the hurricane season. warm and there is little the El Niño-Southern major hurricanes. La An above-average wind shear, dry air can Oscillation (ENSO) is Niña conditions re- number of tropical still disrupt developing notoriously difficult to curred midway through storms and hurricanes tropical cyclones and predict. This is especial- the hyperactive and is more likely if tem- even prohibit their birth. ly true from February to catastrophic 2017 season peratures in the main Hurricanes need a pre- May, when the “spring that produced Harvey, development region cise set of ingredients to predictability barrier” is Irma and Maria. (MDR) between Africa come together in order in play, a period when and the Caribbean Sea for them to fester, and forecast skill is lower Other Factors in Play are warmer than aver- those ingredients will than the rest of the year. One of the other age. Conversely, below- need to be monitored La Niña generally ingredients that me- average ocean tempera- this year. acts as a speed boost to teorologists, including tures can lead to fewer Crawford also noted the Atlantic hurricane Crawford, are consider- tropical systems than if that computer model season, but it is just one ing for hurricane season waters were warmer. forecasts for tropical factor that can lead to an is current sea-surface Assuming atmospheric forcing during the heart active year. Hurricane temperatures across the factors are favorable, of the hurricane season seasons can be active Atlantic Ocean. warmer waters in the are “strongly suggestive even if La Niña is not in Much of the Atlan- MDR allow tropical of an active season,” and play. tic’s waters are already waves — the formative his forecast is similar to La Niña typically cor- warmer than average as engines that can even- the model consensus.
GulfCoastNewsToday.com 2020 • In the Eye 9 10 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com 2020 HURRICANE NAMES Arthur Bertha Cristobal Dolly Edouard Fay Gonzalo Hanna Isaias Josephine Kyle Laura Marco Nana Omar Paulette Rene Sally Teddy Vicky Wilfred
GulfCoastNewsToday.com 2020 • In the Eye 11 Build an emergency kit
In the event of Ready.gov • Moist towelettes, gar- • Feminine supplies and flood hazards, bage bags and plastic personal hygiene items tune in to Make sure your emer- ties for personal sanita- • Mess kits, paper cups, local media for gency kit is stocked with tion plates, paper towels and information. the items on the checklist • Wrench or pliers to turn plastic utensils below. Consider what off utilities • Paper and pencil unique needs your family • Manual can opener • Books, games, puzzles AREA TELEVISION STATIONS might have, such as sup- • Local maps or other kid’s activities Channel 3 (ABC) WEAR TV plies for pets, or seniors. • Cell phone with char- Channel 5 (CBS) WKRG TV After an emergency, you gers and a backup bat- Maintaining Your Kit Channel 10 (NBC) WALA TV may need to survive on tery After assembling your your own for several days. kit remember to main- Channel 15 (FOX) WPMI TV Being prepared means Additional Supplies tain it so it’s ready when Channel 44 WJTC TV having your own food, Consider adding the needed: water and other supplies following items to your • Keep canned food in a to last for at least 72 hours. emergency supply kit: cool, dry place AREA RADIO STATIONS • Prescription medica- • Store boxed food in WABB AM/FM (1480) Basic Disaster tions tightly closed plastic or WABF AM (1220) Supplies Kit • Non-prescription medi- metal containers WAVH FM (106.5) Store items in airtight cations such as pain • Replace expired items plastic bags and put your relievers, anti-diarrhea as needed WBCA AM (1110) entire disaster supplies kit medication, antacids or • Re-think your needs WBHY AM (840) in one or two easy-to-carry laxatives every year and update WBHY FM (88.5) containers such as plastic • Glasses and contact your kit as your family’s WBLX FM (92.5) bins or duffel bags. lense solution needs change. A basic emergency sup- • Infant formula, bottles, WDLT FM (98.3) ply kit could include the diapers, wipes, diaper Kit Storage Locations WDLT AM (600) following recommended rash cream Since you do not know WBUB FM (104.1) items: • Pet food and extra water where you will be when WMXC FM (99.9) • Water - one gallon of for your pet an emergency occurs, pre- water per person per • Cash or traveler’s checks pare supplies for home, WRKH FM (96.1) day for at least three • Important family docu- work and vehicles. WGOK AM (900) days, for drinking and ments such as copies • Home: Keep this kit in WHEP AM (1310) sanitation of insurance policies, a designated place and WHIL FM (91.3) • Food - at least a three- identification and bank have it ready in case you day supply of non-per- account records saved have to leave your home WJLQ FM (100.7) ishable food electronically or in a quickly. Make sure all WNTM AM (710) • Battery-powered or waterproof, portable family members know WNSP FM (105.5) hand crank radio and a container where the kit is. WKSJ FM (94.9) NOAA Weather Radio • Sleeping bag or warm • Work: Be prepared to with tone alert blanket for each person shelter at work for at WPCS FM (89.3) • Flashlight • Complete change of least 24 hours. Your WUWF FM (91) • First aid kit clothing and sturdy work kit should include WXBM FM (102.5) • Extra batteries shoes food, water and other WZEW FM (92.1) • Whistle to signal for • Household chlorine necessities like medi- help bleach and medicine cines, as well as com- WTKK FM (TK-101) • Dust mask to help filter dropper to disinfect fortable walking shoes. WXWY AM (100) contaminated air and water • Vehicle: In case you are WMOB AM (1360) plastic sheeting and • Fire extinguisher stranded, keep a kit of WQUA FM (102.1) duct tape to shelter-in- • Matches in a waterproof emergency supplies in place container your car.
12 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com Before, during and after the storm
Ready.gov children, parents, indi- or county website for restored. viduals with disabilities quick access to storm • Turn on your TV/radio, Preparing Your Home or pets. updates and emergency or check your city/ • Before hurricane season instructions. county website every trim or remove dam- Hurricane Warning • Bring loose, lightweight 30 minutes in order to aged trees/limbs to keep Hurricane warning = objects inside that get the latest weather you and your property conditions are expected could become projec- updates and emergency safe. within 36 hrs. tiles in high winds and instructions. • Secure rain gutters and • Follow evacuation or- trim or remove trees downspouts and clear ders from local officials, close enough to fall on After a Hurricane any clogged areas or if given. the building. • Listen to local officials debris to prevent water • Check-in with family • Cover all of your home’s for updates and instruc- damage to property. and friends by texting windows. Permanent tions. • Reduce property dam- or using social media. storm shutters offer the • Check-in with family age by retrofitting to • Follow the hurricane best protection for win- and friends by texting secure and reinforce timeline preparedness dows. A second option or using social media. the roof, windows and checklist, depending on is to board up windows • Return home only when doors, including the when the storm is an- with 5/8” exterior grade authorities indicate it is garage doors. ticipated to hit and the or marine plywood. safe. • Purchase a portable impact that is projected • Watch out for debris generator or install a for your location. 6-18 hours from arrival and downed power generator for use during • Turn on your TV/radio, lines. power outages. Remem- 36 hours from arrival or check your city/ • Avoid walking or ber to keep generators • Turn on your TV or county website every driving through flood and other alternate radio in order to get the 30 minutes in order to waters. Just 6 inches power/heat sources latest weather updates get the latest weather of moving water can outside, at least 20 feet and instructions. updates and emergency knock you down, and away from windows • Build or restock your instructions. one foot of fast-moving and doors and protect- emergency prepared- • Charge your cell phone water can sweep your ed from moisture; and ness kit. now so you will have a vehicle away. NEVER try to power the • Plan how to communi- full battery in case you • Avoid flood water as house wiring by plug- cate with family mem- lose power. it may be electrically ging a generator into a bers if you lose power. charged from under- wall outlet. Remember that during 6 hours from arrival ground or downed • Consider building a disasters, sending text • If you’re not in an area power lines and may FEMA safe room or messages is usually that is recommended hide dangerous debris ICC 500 storm shelter reliable and faster than for evacuation, plan to or places where the designed for protection making phone calls stay at home or where ground is washed away. from high-winds. because phone lines are you are and let friends • Photograph the dam- often overloaded. and family know. age to your property in Hurricane Watch • Review your evacuation • Close storm shutters, order to assist in filing Hurricane watch = condi- plan with your family. and stay away from an insurance claim. tions possible within the • Keep your car in good windows. • Do what you can to next 48 hrs. working condition, and • Turn your refrigerator prevent further damage • Review your evacuation keep the gas tank full; or freezer to the coldest to your property, (e.g., route(s) & listen to local stock your vehicle with setting and open only putting a tarp on a dam- officials. emergency supplies and when necessary. Keep aged roof), as insurance • Review the items in a change of clothes. a thermometer in the may not cover addition- your disaster supply kit; refrigerator to be able to al damage that occurs and add items to meet 18-36 hours from arrival check the food tempera- after the storm. the household needs for • Bookmark your city ture when the power is
GulfCoastNewsToday.com 2020 • In the Eye 13 Baldwin County evacuation routes
Gulf Shores and CATEGORY 1: All areas Orange Beach Residents: of Pleasure Island along with individuals living in Highway 59, Foley Beach manufactured homes, and Express & Baldwin Beach those living in low lying flood Express prone areas countywide. Central & South (Pleasure Island consists of all of State Hwy 225 and west of ______Baldwin County Residents: areas south of the Intra-coastal Hwy 59 North of Stockton to the Baldwin/Monroe County If elected officials deem a wider Canal to include Fort Morgan, evacuation order is needed Highway 59 North & Baldwin Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and line. Additionally, all individuals Beach Express living in proximity to the Fish, based on guidance issued by the Ono Island.) National Weather Service and Eastern Shore Residents: Styx, Blackwater and Perdido CATEGORY 2: All areas south Rivers and all individuals living the National Hurricane Center: State Highway 181 & Highway of State Hwy 98 and the area in manufactured homes, and CATEGORIES 1 THROUGH 4: 98 North on the Eastern Shore that is those living in low lying flood evacuation zones are same as South of Interstate 10 and West prone areas countywide. listed above. Lillian Area Residents: of State Hwy 98. Additionally, all CATEGORY 4 OR 5: All areas County Road 87 individuals living in proximity to CATEGORY 5: Everyone the Fish, Styx, Blackwater and south of Interstate 10 and the in Baldwin County should East Side of Pleasure Island Perdido Rivers and all individuals area on the Eastern Shore west evacuate. (Orange Beach & Ono Island): living in manufactured homes, of State Hwy 225 and west of Hwy 59 North of Stockton to the For more information visit: Foley Beach Express via Toll and those living in low lying flood baldwincountyal.gov. prone areas countywide. Baldwin/Monroe County line. Bridge & Baldwin Beach Express Additionally, all individuals living Toll will be lifted for northbound CATEGORY 3: All areas south in manufactured homes and traffic during evacuation of State Hwy 98 and the area those living in low lying flood on the Eastern Shore west of prone areas countywide. Evacuation scenarios: State Hwy 98, and the area west 14 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com GulfCoastNewsToday.com 2020 • In the Eye 15 State License HELLMICH #1001 Baldwin County ELECTRIC, INC. evacuation shelters Since 1986 Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (BCEMA) strongly recommends evacuation. “Shelters of Last Resort” are made available by the county, Commercial & however, the structural Residential integrity of the facilities cannot be guaranteed. All Work All individuals entering the Guaranteed shelter must: • Complete a Registration/ Free Estimates Waiver of Liability Form. • Present photo identification. • Obey the shelter rules. Mass Care Shelters 903 West Laurel Ave., (general public) • Be subject to a criminal Foley, Al 36535 background check. Baldwin County Coliseum Not all shelters will open at the 19477 Fairground Road ELECTRICIAN SERVICES 251-943-2350 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Robertsdale, AL 36567 [email protected] same time. Shelters will open on an “as-needed” basis and are Daphne East Elementary Gary & Beth Hellmich, Owners subject to change. Please stay 26651 County Road 13 tuned to local television and Daphne, AL 26526 radio stations for public service announcements regarding Bay Minette shelter openings. Middle School Gulf Shores 1311 West 13th St. IMPORTANT NOTICE - The Bay Minette, AL 36507 shelter information listed Utilities below is primarily used during Medical Needs Shelters hurricanes. In the event BCEMA opens shelters due to severe Baldwin County Coliseum weather or tornadoes, shelters 19477 Fairground Road HURRICANE PREPARDENESS normally used as electrical Robertsdale, AL 36567 INFORMATION WEBSITE: support and/or medical needs Electrical Support https://www.gulfshoresutilities.com/ shelters will likely be used as Shelters mass care (or general public) emergency-preparedness/ shelters. Baldwin County Level II Individuals entering electrical Community Shelter support shelters or medical 207 North White Avenue Bay Minette, AL 36507 needs shelters must also bring: • One adult caregiver Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairground Road • Medical equipment and Robertsdale, AL 36567 supplies Foley Satellite • Any special dietary supplies Courthouse needed 201 East Section St. Foley, AL 36535 You may also Contact the 1629 E 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (Baldwin County (EMA) Fairhope Satellite (Emergency Management Courthouse 251-968-6323 Agency) for shelter opening and 1100 Fairhope Ave. closing information. 24 Hour Emergencies Fairhope, AL 36532 413 E. Laurel Ave. • Foley, AL 36353 700 Whispering Pines Rd. • Daphne, AL 36526 251-943-5001 251-626-5000 Outages & Emergencies 251-943-4999 Outages & Emergencies 251-625-4999
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Baldwin County Emer- Points (PUPs), listed below: when weather conditions hospitals, and local Medical gency Management Agency • Baldwin County High are deemed safe and no lon- Needs Shelters and Electri- (BCEMA) releases perti- School, the Hub ger hazardous. cal Support Shelters. North nent information to the • Daphne High School Citizens are encouraged Baldwin EMS will pick up public on shelter openings • Fairhope High School to schedule transportation and transport North Bald- and evacuations through • Foley High School in advance. BRATS may be win residents. public service announce- • Loxley Municipal Park contacted by calling: For those infirmed indi- ments. • Robertsdale High School 251-937-0355 (North Bald- viduals wishing to evacuate During a Local State win) the county, MedStar and of Emergency, Baldwin Baldwin County Board 251-990-4636 (Eastern Shore) North Baldwin EMS will County residents with no of Education (BOE) school 251-972-6817 (Central & pick up residents from their means of transportation buses will then pick resi- South Baldwin) homes and evacuate them will need to contact Bald- dents up from the PUPs and 251-580-2530 (After Hours) to outside-county hospitals, win Rural Area Transporta- transport them to Baldwin and outside-county Medical tion System (BRATS) for County High School in Citizens who are non- Needs Shelters, which will home pick-up service and Bay Minette, also known ambulatory, bed-bound or be announced at the time of transport to local shelters. as the Hub, where they who have special medical event. BRATS has buses readily will offload school buses, conditions should contact Citizens are encouraged available for wheelchair register and board motor MedStar Emergency Medi- to schedule transportation bound clients. coach buses, contracted by cal Services or North Bald- with MedStar and North Following the execution the state, for transport to win EMS for assistance. Baldwin EMS in advance. A of a Mandatory Evacuation outside-county Community Once a Local State of fee will be charged. Order however, for a Cat- Shelters. In the event there Emergency or Mandatory MedStar may be egory 3, 4 or 5 hurricane, is a shortfall of motor coach Evacuation Order has been contacted by calling BRATS will suspend its fees buses, BOE school buses issued, MedStar will begin 251.971.3775 or 1-866-298- and additionally transport will be used to assist with picking up South Baldwin, 8884 (Toll Free). residents wishing to evacu- evacuation efforts. This ser- Eastern Shore, and Central North Baldwin EMS may ate the county to pre-desig- vice is provided FREE and Baldwin residents and will be contacted by calling 251- nated Evacuation Pick-up residents will be returned transport them to local 580-9499.
Evacuating with pets
Emergency shelters in treats, toys and muzzles. Baldwin County do not cur- Train your pets to be- rently accept pets but many come familiar with their hotel chains do and most carrier ahead of time. will make concessions dur- The carrier may become a ing local disasters. Always secure and comforting ref- remember to call ahead and uge if your pet is required make reservations. to live in it for days, even All animals should have weeks after the storm. a permanent ID and secure There are two state-run (Can house 2,500-5,000 do- for any animals with a com- carriers as well as collars, shelters that accept pets. mestic animals, 700-900 large municable disease. leashes and rabies tags. They are: animals) Owners will not be able Make sure pets have cur- Houston County Farm Center to stay with their pets, al- rent immunizations and 1701 East Cottonwood Road The state shelters will though there will be some bring these records with Dothan, AL (Houston County) accept “any” animals, in- “limited” room elsewhere you if you evacuate. (Can house 400 domestic ani- cluding snakes and unvac- on the property for owners mals, 150 large animals) Build a survival kit for cinated animals. The state to stay. will provide the medical your pet to include food (up Garrett Coliseum For more information on to two weeks supply), water 1555 Federal Drive equipment and testing nec- Alabama Regional Emer- bowls, medication, trash Montgomery, AL (Montgomery essary to give rabies shots gency Animal Shelters, call bags for collecting waste, County) and will provide medication ADAI at 334-240-7278. 18 In the Eye • 2020 GulfCoastNewsToday.com Life Less Interrupted...
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