In the Eye: Hurricane Guide 2019

IN THE

EYE

2019

Hurricane Season Begins June 1 Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Safe

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IN THE

EYE

2019

ABOUT THE COVER Waves crash into Gulf Coast beaches as a storm approaches last summer.

Photo by Jack Swindle

INSIDE

Important apps to use during a storm Baldwin County Emergency Management

Contains links to local, state, and federal resources, local weather, evacuation zone map, and shelter information.

FEMA

Receive emergency alerts and information. Provides safety notifications, emergency preparedness tips, and disaster resources.

NOAA Now

Provides the latest information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration including: hurricanes and tropical storms in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans; mainland storms, including the latest tornado and severe thunderstorm alerts; worldwide animated satellite views; the latest marine conditions from the National Data Buoy Center; the ultraviolet index.

Hurricanes: It’s all about the water 6 Local radio/TV stations 8 Destructive 2018 season 8 Hurricane map 10-11 2019 Hurricane names 11 Hurricane Season expected to be average 12 Hurricanes 101 12 Coastal Warning Display Signals 13 Build an emergency kit 14 Before, during and after the storm 15 Baldwin County evacuation routes 16 Baldwin County evacuation shelters 18

A specialty publication of Gulf Coast Media Publisher Parks Rogers parks@gulfcoastmedia.com 251-943-2151 Managing Editor Allison Marlow allisonm@gulfcoastmedia.com Design Paige Marmolejo paige@gulfcoastmedia.com

Advertising Frank Kustura frank@gulfcoastmedia.com 251-923-8129 LouAnn Love louann@gulfcoastmedia.com 251-243-7620 Bethany Randall bethany@gulfcoastmedia.com 251-978-0497

Red Cross Flood App

Prepare your home and family in the event of a flood.

4 In the Eye • 2019

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HURRICANES: It’s all about the water

By ALLISON MARLOW

The howling winds are terrifying. The pounding of the waves are treacherous.

But the storm surge that pummels a region and washes inland often determines a hurricane’s legacy.

“Think about the heavy rain potential. When you have an extra 30 – 40 inches of rain that is a problem,” said Ken Graham, director of the National Hurricane Center, during a media tour to Alabama last summer.

Graham said half of all hurricane fatalities are due to storm surge. Another 25 percent of fatalities are due to rainfall.

“The conversation we have to have has to be about water,” he said.

“That’s what is hurting people.”

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm over 6 In the Eye • 2019

and above the predicted tide. These waters can penetrate well inland from the coast. During Hurricane Ike storm surge moved 30 miles into Texas and Louisiana.

Much of the low-lying U.S. coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic is vulnerable to storm surge.

The surge is caused primarily by the strong winds in a hurricane or tropical storm. The low pressure of the storm has minimal contribution.

How storm surge works, according to the National Weather Service: The wind circulation around the eye of a hurricane blows on the ocean surface and produces a vertical circulation in the ocean. In deep water, there is nothing to disturb the circulation. When the storm reaches shallow water near the coast the vertical circulation in the ocean is disrupted by the

ocean floor. The water can no longer go down so it has to go up and inland.

In general storm surge occurs where winds are blowing strongest onshore.

The category of the storm doesn’t necessarily predict the damage from storm surge.

Hurricane Katrina, a category 3 storm at landfall, produced a 28-foot storm surge. Hurricane Ike, a category 2 storm at landfall, produced 20-foot storm surge. Hurricane Charley, a category 4 storm at landfall, produced storm surge of 6 to 8 feet. Hurricane Irene, a category 1 at landfall, had 8 to 11 feet of storm surge.

“We’ve done a good job highlighting that water is the primary killer. Now we have to help people understand what water can do,” said Jamie Rhome, storm surge team lead at the National Hur-

ricane Center.

“How high are your electrical sockets at home? Eighteen inches doesn’t sound like a lot but water and electricity don’t do so well together.

When you juxtaposition that with downed power lines, it becomes incredibly dangerous,” he said.

Rhome added that residents who refuse to evacuate can end up endangering the lives of rescue workers as they battle the storm surge.

The Automobile Association reports that vehicles, even large trucks and SUVs, can become unstable in moving water that is 12 inches deep.

Water moving at 6 mph is enough to float a car.

People who fall in water just 6 inches deep, moving at 6 miles per hour, are unlikely to be able to stand again.

“An ambulance can’t SEE WATER, PAGE

8

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In the event of flood hazards, tune in to local media for information.

AREA TELEVISION STATIONS Channel 3 (ABC) WEAR TV Channel 5 (CBS) WKRG TV Channel 10 (NBC) WALA TV Channel 15 (FOX) WPMI TV Channel 44 WJTC TV AREA RADIO STATIONS WABB AM/FM (1480) WABF AM (1220) WAVH FM (106.5) WBCA AM (1110) WBHY AM (840) WBHY FM (88.5) WBLX FM (92.5) WDLT FM (98.3) WDLT AM (600) WBUB FM (104.1) WMXC FM (99.9) WRKH FM (96.1) WGOK AM (900) WHEP AM (1310) WHIL FM (91.3) WJLQ FM (100.7) WNTM AM (710) WNSP FM (105.5) WKSJ FM (94.9) WPCS FM (89.3) WUWF FM (91) WXBM FM (102.5) WZEW FM (92.1) WTKK FM (TK-101) WXWY AM (100) WMOB AM (1360) WQUA FM (102.1) 8 In the Eye • 2019

Destructive 2018 Atlantic hurricane season NOAA

The 2018 Atlantic hurricane season officially concludes on November 30, and will be remembered most for hurricanes Florence and Michael, which caused significant damage in the southeastern U.S. In total, the season produced 15 named storms, including eight hurricanes of which two were “major” (Category 3, 4 or 5). An average season has 12 named storms, six hurricanes, and three major hurricanes.

“From the start of the 2018 hurricane season to its conclusion, NOAA and its dedicated staff of scientists, researchers, and forecasters have remained on the frontlines, saving countless American lives with critical and accurate data,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.

“Time and again NOAA and NOAA resources

WATER CONTINUED FROM 6

drive in water. If you are cleaning up after the storm and cut yourself or have any accident that you would normally go to critical care for, now that hazard becomes quite

have proven their value to the American people during the most urgent of circumstances.”

Storm-by-storm forecasts from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center were aided by the highresolution imagery from NOAA’s new GOES-East satellite (GOES-16), and the American Global Forecast System (GFS) model, which produced accurate forecasts of landfall location and timing for both hurricane Florence and Michael. NOAA’s hurricane hunter aircraft flew more than 580 hours this season and provided valuable data in support of forecasting, research and emergency response.

“This season packed a strong punch, but its impacts could have been far worse had it not been for the services NOAA provided alongside our emergency management partners and the preparedness activities

taken by individuals,” said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., NOAA assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction.

Strong coordination between the National Hurricane Center, NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center and local weather and river forecast offices assisted decision-making among emergency managers at federal, state and local levels. Where needed, staffing surges allowed forecast offices to provide enhanced information to decisionmakers, improving the local ability to carry out timely evacuations, close roads and protect vulnerable infrastructure without compromising forecast operations.

This season, NOAA and the U.S. Navy launched the most unmanned ocean gliders ever used in support of Atlantic hurricane forecasts. These gliders col-

dangerous nd you can’t get care,” Rhome said.

“Even if they do try to get to you, now you’ve impeded the life of emergency responders.”

As a senior scientist Rhome helps draft the maps for evacuation zones. When a storm hits he issues the forecast that

is used to decide who evacuates. None of his decisions are made lightly.

“We are dead serious when we call them,” Rhome said. “Our overarching goal is not to move anyone. When the decision is made to move the condition is potentially life threatening.”

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PHOTO BY NOAA

This aerial photo shows extensive damage caused by Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla.

lected more than 40,000 temperature and salinity profiles that were fed into operational and experimental hurricane forecast models. NOAA scientists also flew an unmanned aircraft into the eyewall of Hurricane Michael and transmitted data to help researchers better understand this turbulent part of the storm to improve future hurricane prediction.

Additionally, NOAA's National Ocean Service provided water level forecasts and monitoring for areas in the path of the storm, supported the U.S. Coast Guard to reopen the nation's ports, helped to identify and safely remove pollutants from abandoned vessels, and collected aerial imagery to assess damage from the storm in order to speed recovery and response efforts.

For the fourth consecutive year, hurricane acGulfCoastNewsToday.com

tivity began prior to the official June 1st start of the season, with Tropical Storm Alberto forming on May 25. Alberto made landfall in northern Florida and traveled as far north as the Great Lakes as a tropical depression.

A record seven named storms (Alberto, Beryl, Debby, Ernesto, Joyce, Leslie and Oscar) were classified as subtropical at some point. The previous record of five subtropical storms occurred in 1969. A subtropical storm is a named storm that has tropical and non-tropical characteristics. All subtropical storms this season eventually transitioned into a tropical storm, with three (Beryl, Leslie and Oscar) eventually becoming hurricanes.

The 2018 hurricane season was the first since 2008 to have four named storms active at the same time (Florence, Helene,

Isaac and Joyce). Hurricane Florence caused catastrophic flooding in portions of North and South Carolina. Several river forecast locations in the Carolinas approached or broke their record flood level in the days and weeks following the hurricane. It took two to three weeks for many river locations to fall below flood stage, and the final river crested one month after Florence made landfall.

Hurricane Michael, at a Category 4 intensity, was the strongest hurricane on record to strike the Florida panhandle.

It was the third-most-intense hurricane to make landfall in the continental U.S. on record in terms of central pressure (919 mb) and the fourth-strongest in terms of maximum sustained winds (155 mph).

“The 2018 season fell within NOAA’s predict-

ed ranges in our preseason outlook issued in late May. However, the overall season was more active than predicted in the updated outlook issued in early August,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

“Warmer Atlantic Ocean temperatures, a stronger west-African monsoon and the fact that El Nino did not form in time to suppress the season helped to enhance storm development.”

With lessons learned from the 2018 hurricane season still fresh in memory, now is the time to make note of ways to improve family hurricane plans for next year.

The 2019 hurricane season will officially begin on June 1 and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will provide its initial seasonal outlook in May. 2019 • In the Eye 9

10 In the Eye • 2019

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2019 HURRICANE NAMES Andrea Barry Chantal Dorian Erin Fernand Gabrielle Humberto Imelda Jerry Karen Lorenzo Melissa Nestor Olga Pablo Rebekah Sebastien Tanya Van Wendy

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2019 • In the Eye 11

Hurricane Season expected to be average STAFF REPORT

The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season may see fewer storms and hurricanes, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be less dangerous, says experts at Colorado State University.

Every year the university’s Tropical Meteorology Project, led by Dr. Phil Klotzbach, releases an outlook for the season

based on statistics, sealevel pressure and sea-surface temperatures in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

This year the group believes the Atlantic hurricane season will include 13 named storms, five hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

This is near the 30year average of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and

three major hurricanes. A major hurricane is one that is Category 3 or stronger.

Experts warn that an average season doesn’t mean average storms.

There is no direct link between the number of storms and the number of storms that make landfall.

For example, in 1992, there were only six named storms, one of them was Hurricane Andrew, which

leveled South Florida when it made landfall as a Category 5 storm.

Though the official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, occasionally we can see storms develop outside those months, as was the case in the previous two seasons with May 2018's Tropical Storm Alberto and April 2017’s Tropical Storm Arlene.

northwestern Pacific and cyclones in the southeastern Indian Ocean and southwestern Pacific.

To be classified as any of these names a storm must reach wind speeds of at least 74 miles an hour.

Also, the storm seasons differ slightly. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through

Nov. 30. In the northeastern Pacific, storm season begins earlier and runs from May 15 to Nov. 30. In the northwestern Pacific, typhoons are most common from late June through December. The northern Indian Ocean sees cyclones from April to December.

Want to learn more about hurricanes and

other weather phenomenon? Visit www.weather. gov/jetstream an initiative of the National Weather Service to help students and educators learn more about weather. The site includes video presentations, graphics and information on a plethora of weather topics stretching from clouds to Doppler radar. Check it out!

HURRICANE 101 What causes a hurricane? The simple answer is warm ocean water plus the eastward rotation of the Earth.

Hurricanes create their own energy from warm, moist air and push the heat from the surface high into the atmosphere. In their centers, hurricanes develop a circular eye where the pressure is the lowest. Usually the temperature of the air inside the eye is also the highest.

Hurricane eyes can stretch 20 – 30 miles across.

Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons are all the same weather phenomenon but given different names depending on their location.

In the Atlantic and northern Pacific, the storms are called hurricanes, after the Caribbean god of evil, named Hurrican. These same storms are called typhoons in the 12 In the Eye • 2019

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Coastal Warning Display Signals DAYTIME SIGNALS SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY

GALE WARNING

STORM WARNING

HURRICANE WARNING

NIGHT (LIGHT) SIGNALS SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY

GALE WARNING

STORM WARNING

HURRICANE WARNING

Explanation of Warnings Small Craft Advisory (SCA): An advisory issued by coastal and Great Lakes Weather Forecast Offices (WFO) for areas included in the Coastal Waters Forecast or Nearshore Marine Forecast (NSH) products. Thresholds governing the issuance of small craft advisories are specific to geographic areas. A Small Craft Advisory may also be issued when sea or lake ice exists that could be hazardous to small boats. There is no precise definition of a small craft. Any vessel that may be adversely affected by Small Craft Advisory criteria should be considered a small craft.

Other considerations include the experience of the vessel operator, and the type, overall size, and seaworthiness of the vessel.

Small Craft Advisory for Hazardous Seas (SCAHS): An advisory for wind speeds lower than small craft advisory criteria, yet waves or seas are potentially hazardous due to wave height, wave period, steepness, or swell direction. Thresholds governing the issuance of Small Craft. Advisories for Hazardous Seas are specific to geographic areas.

Small Craft Advisory for Rough Bar (SCARB): An advisory for specialized areas near harbor or river entrances known as bars. Waves in or near such bars may be especially hazardous to mariners due to the interaction of swell, tidal and/or river currents in relatively shallow water.

Thresholds governing the issuance of Small Craft Advisories for Rough Bar are specific to local geographic areas, and are based upon parameters such as wave steepness, wind speed and direction, and local bathymetry.

Small Craft Advisory for Winds (SCAW): An advisory for wave heights lower than small craft advisory criteria, yet wind speeds are potentially hazardous. Thresholds governing the issuance of small craft advisories are specific to geographic areas.

BRISK WIND ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory issued for ice-covered waters.

GALE WARNING: A warning of sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph) inclusive, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.

STORM WARNING: A warning of sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 48 knots (55 mph) to 63 knots (73 mph) inclusive, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.

HURRICANE FORCE WIND WARNING: A warning for sustained winds, or frequent gusts, of 64 knots (74 mph) or greater, either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone.

HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Build an emergency kit Ready.gov Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life.

Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days.

Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-tocarry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation • Food - at least a threeday supply of non-perishable food • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert • Flashlight • First aid kit • Extra batteries • Whistle to signal for help • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-inplace • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Manual can opener for food • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Supplies Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs: • Prescription medica-

Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

tions • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, antidiarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives • Glasses and contact lense solution • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream • Pet food and extra water for your pet • Cash or traveler’s checks • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water • Fire extinguisher • Matches in a waterproof container • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils • Paper and pencil • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit After assembling your

14 In the Eye • 2019

kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed: • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers • Replace expired items as needed • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Storage Locations Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

• Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

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Before, during and after the storm www.ready.gov

Preparing Your Home • Before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees/limbs to keep you and your property safe.

• Secure rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to property.

• Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows and doors, including the garage doors.

• Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

• Consider building a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter designed for protection from high-winds.

Hurricane Watch Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.

• Review your evacuation route(s) & listen to local officials.

• Review the items in your disaster supply kit; and add items to meet the household needs for GulfCoastNewsToday.com

children, parents, individuals with disabilities or pets.

Hurricane Warning Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.

• Follow evacuation orders from local officials, if given.

• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

• Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.

36 hours from arrival • Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and instructions.

• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.

• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power.

Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.

• Review your evacuation plan with your family.

• Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

18-36 hours from arrival • Bookmark your city

or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.

• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.

• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood.

6-18 hours from arrival • Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/ county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

6 hours from arrival • If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know.

• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows.

• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is

restored.

• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/ county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

After a Hurricane • Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.

• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.

• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

• Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.

• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.

2019 • In the Eye 15

Baldwin County evacuation routes

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Residents: Highway 59, Foley Beach Express & Baldwin Beach Express Central & South Baldwin County Residents: Highway 59 North & Baldwin Beach Express Eastern Shore Residents: State Highway 181 & Highway 98 North Lillian Area Residents: County Road 87 East Side of Pleasure Island (Orange Beach & Ono Island): Foley Beach Express via Toll Bridge & Baldwin Beach Express

Toll will be lifted for northbound traffic during evacuation Evacuation Zones are developed to move threatened populations from hazards caused by natural or manmade disasters. The 16 In the Eye • 2019

following zones have been established to foster an efficient and timely response to evacuation orders given by elected officials.

When evacuation orders are given, residents and visitors are encouraged to move further inland or move to higher ground.

The following scenarios and descriptions will be used for the listed storm categories.

Scenario 1: Category 1 - Zone 1: All areas of Pleasure Island along with individuals living in manufactured homes, and those living in low lying flood prone areas countywide.

(Pleasure Island consists of all areas south of the Intra-coastal Canal to include Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Ono Island.)

Category 2 - Zone 1 & 2: All areas south of State Hwy 98 and the area on the Eastern Shore that is South of Interstate 10 and West of State Hwy 98. Additionally, all individuals living in proximity to the

Fish, Styx, Blackwater and Perdido Rivers and all individuals living in manufactured homes, and those living in low lying flood prone areas countywide.

Category 3 - Zones 1 through 3: All areas south of State Hwy 98 and the area on the Eastern Shore west of State Hwy 98, and the area west of State Hwy 225 and west of Hwy 59 North of Stockton to the Baldwin/Monroe County line. Additionally, all individuals living in proximity to the Fish, Styx, Blackwater and Perdido Rivers and all individuals living in manufactured homes, and those living in low lying flood prone areas countywide.

Category 4 or 5 - Zones 1 through 4: All areas south of Interstate 10 and the area on the Eastern Shore

west of State Hwy 225 and west of Hwy 59 North of Stockton to the Baldwin/Monroe County line.

Additionally, all individuals living in manufactured homes and those living in low lying flood prone areas countywide.

Scenario 2: will be used when Elected Officials deem a wider evacuation order is needed based on guidance issued by the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

Categories 1 through 4: evacuation zones are same as listed above.

Category 5: Zones 1 through 5: Everyone in Baldwin County should evacuate.

For more information visit: baldwincountyal.gov.

GulfCoastNewsToday.com

413 E. Laurel Ave. • Foley, AL 36353

700 Whispering Pines Rd. • Daphne, AL 36526

Outages & Emergencies 251-943-4999

Outages & Emergencies 251-625-4999

251-943-5001

251-626-5000

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Baldwin County evacuation shelters Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (BCEMA) strongly recommends evacuation.

“Shelters of Last Resort” are made available by the county, however, the structural integrity of the facilities cannot be guaranteed.

All individuals entering the shelter must: • Complete a Registration/ Waiver of Liability Form.

• Present photo identification.

• Obey the shelter rules.

• Be subject to a criminal background check.

Not all shelters will open at the same time. Shelters will open on an “as-needed” basis and are subject to change. Please stay tuned to local television and radio stations for public service announcements regarding shelter openings.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - The shelter information listed below is primarily used during hurricanes. In the event BCEMA opens shelters due to severe weather or tornadoes, shelters normally used as electrical support and/or medical needs shelters will likely be used as mass care (or general public) shelters.

Individuals entering electrical support shelters or medical needs shelters must also bring: • One adult caregiver • Medical equipment and supplies • Any special dietary supplies needed You may also Contact the (Baldwin County (EMA) (Emergency Management Agency) for shelter opening and closing information.

Mass Care Shelters (general public) Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairground Road Robertsdale, AL 36567 Daphne East Elementary 26651 County Road 13 Daphne, AL 26526 Bay Minette Middle School 1311 West 13th St. Bay Minette, AL 36507

Medical Needs Shelters Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairground Road Robertsdale, AL 36567

Electrical Support Shelters Baldwin County Level II Community Shelter 207 North White Avenue Bay Minette, AL 36507 Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairground Road Robertsdale, AL 36567 Foley Satellite Courthouse 201 East Section St. Foley, AL 36535 Fairhope Satellite Courthouse 1100 Fairhope Ave. Fairhope, AL 36532

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