In The Eye 2021

IN THE EYE 2021

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

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INSIDE Important apps to use during a storm 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.

Weather.gov

Receive up to the minute weather forecasts from NOAA

Local city alert systems

Municipalities such as Fairhope and Daphne have city-wide alert systems that deliver important information about flooding, road blockages and severe weather. Check with your local city leaders about apps and alert systems available in your area.

4 In the Eye • 2021

The Gulf State Park Pier was sliced in half during Hurricane Sally in September, 2020. The pier was partially re-opened in spring 2021 but the farthest end of the structure remains closed to visitors and fishermen.

Photo by Billy Pope

“Average” Atlantic season 6 Busy hurricane season projected 7 How hurricanes are named 7 Make a hurricane plan 8 Hurricane map 10-11 2021 Hurricane names 11 Safety skills to prepare for a storm 12 Baldwin County evacuation routes 14-15 Baldwin County evacuation shelters 16 Local radio/TV stations 18 Food Safety 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 803-603-8044 Bethany Summerlin bethany@gulfcoastmedia.com 251-978-0497

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“Average” Atlantic hurricane season to reflect more storms Higher averages based on most recent 30-year climate record NOAA Beginning with this year’s hurricane season outlooks, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) will use 1991-2020 as the new 30-year period of record. The updated averages for the Atlantic hurricane season have increased with 14 named storms and 7 hurricanes.

The average for major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5) remains unchanged at 3. The previous Atlantic storm averages, based on the period from 1981 to 2010, were 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes.

NOAA is updating the set of statistics used to determine when hurricane seasons are above-, near-, or below-average relative to the climate record. This update process occurs once every decade.

“This update allows our meteorologists to make forecasts for the hurricane season with the most relevant climate statistics taken 6 In the Eye • 2021

into consideration,” said Michael Farrar, director of NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction. “Our work illustrates the value of NOAA’s investments in next-generation technologies to capture the data that underpins our outlooks and other forecast products. These products are essential to providing the public and local emergency managers with advance information to prepare for storms, and achieving NOAA’s mission of protecting life and property.”

The increase in the averages may be attributed to the overall improve-

ment in observing platforms, including NOAA’s fleet of next-generation environmental satellites and continued hurricane reconnaissance. It may also be due to the warming ocean and atmosphere which are influenced by climate change.

The update also reflects a very busy period over the last 30 years, which includes many years of a positive Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, which can increase Atlantic hurricane activity.

“These updated averages better reflect our collective experience of the past 10 years, which included some very active

hurricane seasons,” said Matt Rosencrans, seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “NOAA scientists have evaluated the impacts of climate change on tropical cyclones and determined that it can influence storm intensity.

Further research is needed to better understand and attribute the impacts of anthropogenic forcings and natural variability on tropical storm activity.”

For the Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific basins the averages over the 1991 - 2020 period do not change. The Eastern Pacific basin will remain at 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. The Central Pacific basin will maintain an average of 4 named storms, 3 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes.

NOAA will issue its initial seasonal outlook for the 2021 hurricane season in late May. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

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Busy hurricane season expected Staff report Colorado State University has issued its annual hurricane prediction and it may prove to be another rough season for coastal residents.

Researchers believe the season will bring 17 named storms, eight hurricanes and four major hurricanes. Recent climatological averages usually see 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes in a typical season.

The higher number this year may be due to a lack of winds that tear apart hurricanes as they form.

Those upper-level westerly winds that move across the Caribbean and into the Atlantic are known as El Niño and this year

FILE PHOTO

Hurricane Sally made landfall as a slow moving Category 2 storm in 2020, dropping more than 30 inches of rain in some locations.

they are not present.

El Niño is a weather system that emerges in the Pacific Ocean but is so large it impacts weather patterns around the globe. It comes and goes every two to five years and lasts roughly 12 months. Typically, when El Niño is occurring, the Atlantic hurricane season

is quieter.

CSU researchers said warmer than normal sea surface temperatures also contribute to a more active hurricane season.

Warmer waters at the top

of the ocean or gulf helps fuel storms.

It is interesting to note that in 2018 the U.S. National Climate Change Assessment reported that “increases in greenhouse gases and decreases in air pollution have contributed to increases in Atlantic hurricane activity since 1970.”

Meaning, the average number of storms experienced in hurricane season today is greater than the average number of storms expected a generation ago.

Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

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How are hurricanes named?

The list of hurricane names is not chosen each year. Instead, an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization sets the list, which repeats every seven years.

When a storm becomes deadly or costly it may be the last time it is used.

The committee will meet to vote to strike that name from the list and select another to replace it.

In 2020 the number of GulfCoastNewsToday.com

hurricanes in the Atlantic basin was greater than the list of names, and letters of the Greek alphabet were used instead.

This year the committee has prepared an additional list of names to choose from if the need arises. They are: Adria, Braylen, Caridad, Deshawn, Emery, Foster, Gemma, Heath, Isla, Jacobus, Kenzie, Lucio, Makayla, Nolan, Orlanda, Pax, Ronin, Sophie, Tayshaun, Viviana, Will.

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Make a hurricane plan When Hurricane Sally roared through Baldwin County last year, the storm didn’t just pass by.

It sat and hovered over the area for hours causing more destruction, downing more trees and flooding more roads as it churned and swirled over the area.

Long-time residents and transplants to the area were both caught unprepared for the amount of damage they would find with the sun rose the next morning. If social media posts are any clue, many didn’t know what to do in the final hours before Sally rolled ashore.

This year, take time to make a plan and build a hurricane kit before the first storm arrives.

Follow these steps from Ready.gov to help prepare your family for the next hurricane.

8 In the Eye • 2021

Make A Plan

Make a plan today.

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

Step 1:

Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?

2. What is my shelter plan?

3. What is my evacuation route?

4. What is my family/ household communication plan?

5. Do I need to update

my emergency preparedness kit?

6. Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.

- Get masks (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check my sheltering plan.

Step 2:

Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment.

Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind

some these factors when developing your plan: • Different ages of members within your household • Responsibilities for assisting others • Locations frequented • Dietary needs • Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment • Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment • Languages spoken • Cultural and religious considerations • Pets or service animals • Households with school-aged children

Step 3:

Fill out a Family Emergency Plan • Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own. Find it at www. ready.gov/plan

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10 In the Eye • 2021

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2021 HURRICANE NAMES Ana Bill Claudette Danny Elsa Fred Grace Henri Ida Julian Kate Larry Mindy Nicholas Odette Peter Rose Sam Teresa Victor Wanda

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2021 • In the Eye 11

Learn safety skills and prepare to be alone in the first hours after the storm What many people learned in the hours after Hurricane Sally in 2020 is that for the first few days after the storm hits, help can be limited as residents and officials work to dig out from the debris.

Roads are blocked by trees, power lines are down, travel is dangerous for citizens and emergency personnel alike.

This list from ready.gov details the safety skills everyone should know before a storm strikes.

Simple items such as how to shut off the utilities running to your house could mean the difference between a small problem and losing your home to an explosion.

Learn First Aid and CPR

Take a first aid and CPR class. You can get more information about training from your local American Red Cross chapter. Getting certified protects you under Good Samaritan laws if you have to give first aid.

Build a first aid kit.

Learn to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Have at least one upto-date fire extinguisher and let everyone in your household know where it’s kept and how to use it. You should have an ABC type at minimum.

The U.S. Fire Admin12 In the Eye • 2021

istration says you should only use a fire extinguisher if you’ve been trained in its proper use and maintenance. Contact your local fire department for information on training in your area. Get more information about preparedness for a fire emergency.

Know How to Shut Off Utilities

Natural Gas Natural gas leaks and explosions cause a significant number of fires after disasters. It’s important that all household members know how to shut off natural gas.

There are different gas shut-off procedures for different gas meter configurations, so it’s important to call your gas company. They can help you prepare for gas appliances and gas service to your home in the event of an emergency.

Make sure everyone in your household knows the proper shut-off procedure for your meter. Do not actually turn off the gas when practicing shutting it off.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out quickly. Turn off the gas using the outside main valve if you can and call the gas company from a neighbor’s home.

BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or duffel bags.

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 three-day 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-in-place • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities • Manual can opener • Local maps • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Caution: If you turn off the gas for any reason, only a qualified professional can turn it back on. NEVER attempt to turn the gas back on yourself.

Water Water quickly becomes a precious resource fol-

lowing many disasters. It is important that everyone in your household learn how to shut off the main water valve to the house.

• Find the shut-off valve for the main water line that enters your house and tag it for easy identification.

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Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.

• Make you can shut the valve off completely.

Your valve may be rusted open or it may not close all the way. If so replace it.

• Cracked lines may pollute the water supply to your house. It’s a good idea to shut off your water until authorities say it’s safe to drink.

The effects of gravity may drain the water in your hot water heater and toilet tanks unless you trap it in your house by shutting off the main house valve. (This is not the street valve in the cement box at the

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Make sure your fire extinguishers are up-to-date and full before an emergency. Remember the acronym PASS to operate (Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze trigger, Sweep).

curb — the street valve is extremely difficult to turn and requires a special tool.)

Electricity

Electrical sparks can ignite natural gas if it is leaking. Teach all responsible household members how to shut off the electricity.

• Locate you electrical circuit box. For your safety, always shut off all the individual circuits before shutting off the main circuit.

2021 • In the Eye 13

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 scenarios: 14 In the Eye • 2021

CATEGORY 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: 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: 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: 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.

CATEGORY 5: Everyone in Baldwin County should evacuate.

If 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.

For more information visit: baldwincountyal.gov.

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2021 • In the Eye 15

Baldwin County evacuation shelters “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.

Gulf Shores Utilities HURRICANE PREPARDENESS INFORMATION WEBSITE: https://www.gulfshoresutilities.com/ emergency-preparedness/

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

1629 E 1st Street, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 251-968-6323 24 Hour Emergencies

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

BALDWIN COUNTY PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT Protect yourself from a flood disaster NATURAL AND BENEFICIAL FUNCTIONS The wetlands within Baldwin County are indispensable and fragile natural resources with significant development constraints due to flooding, erosion and soil limitations. In their natural state, wetlands serve man and nature. They provide habitat areas for fish, wildlife and vegetation; water quality maintenance and pollution control; flood control; erosion control; natural resource education; and many other causes. Damaging or destroying wetlands threatens public safety and the general welfare. It is therefore necessary for Baldwin County to ensure maximum protection for wetlands by discouraging development activities that may adversely affect wetlands.

Baldwin County regulates Stormwater Management policies through the Subdivision Regulations for all new developments. Developments which produce an increase in the amount of stormwater runoff are required to construct stormwater management facilities.

Baldwin County has provisions which impose requirements on persons engaged in land disturbing activities which require planning and implementation of effective sedimentation controls for individual lots and subdivision development sites.

For more information regarding Erosion, Sedimentation or Stormwater Management requirements for new developments, contact the Baldwin County Planning & Zoning Department at 251.580.1655 or the Subdivision Permitting Department at 251.937.0278.

FLOOD HAZARD Baldwin County is virtually surrounded by water, with the exception of several miles in the extreme northeast bordering Escambia County with numerous bays, rivers, streams and arbitraries within the interior portions of the County.

Baldwin County faces its greatest threat of flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms, but coastal flooding can occur year-round. These storms can destroy many properties and cause damage to countless others. Even though property may have escaped flooding or damage from previous storms, it may not escape flooding or damage from the next storm.

To determine if your property is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) contact the Baldwin County Building Inspection Department at (251) 972-6837.

FLOOD PROTECTION MEASURES Every year, flooding causes more property damage in the

United States than any other type of natural disaster. While recent construction practices and regulations have made new homes less prone to flooding, many existing structures remain susceptible. Throughout the country there is a growing interest from property owners to develop practical and cost-effective methods for reducing or eliminating exposure to flooding.

There are many ways you can help protect your property and your possessions from flood damage. Property protection measures publications and assistance is available to you by contacting the Baldwin County Building Inspection Department at 251.972.6837 or by visiting your local libraries.

You may also visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/ FLOOD SAFETY Flood safety protection measures that are to be taken in the event of a hurricane or any other major storm event include having your electricity and gas turned off by the Power Company; not driving or walking through flowing water or any flooded area; and staying clear of any unstable stream banks.

Be sure and stay tuned to your local television or radio station for weather updates. If you are required to evacuate, try to move to the house of a friend or family member not affected by the impending flood hazard. If you live in a mobile home, plan to evacuate at the first notice. Everyone should rehearse your evacuation plans with all household members and plan to leave early to avoid traffic delays. For additional information regarding Baldwin County’s flood warning program, contact Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency at 251.972.6807.

FLOOD INSURANCE Most mortgage lenders require flood insurance based on the location and elevation of the property. Flood damage, unlike wind damage, is not covered by homeowner’s policies and must be purchased separately. Since Baldwin County is an NFIP community, federally backed flood insurance is available. There is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy becomes effective. You are eligible for flood insurance, regardless of whether your property has never flooded, or has flooded several times in the past.

All properties secured by a federally backed mortgage must carry flood insurance.

For more information about flood insurance, property owners should contact their insurance agent or call the NFIP’s toll-free information line at 1-800-427-4661.

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

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