LOCAL RESILIENCY

April 12, 2023

By: Danon Smith, Baldwin County EMA Emergency Management Officer

Baldwin County, Alabama, is an ecologically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse community. While there are boundless benefits and opportunities in this beautiful county, there are also steps residents need to take to reduce risks and mitigate property vulnerabilities. Two of the most prevalent natural hazards faced by Baldwin County are severe weather (storms), tropical weather (hurricanes and tropical storms); and both of these can lead to flooding, erosion, and land subsidence if properties are not maintained. For example, when someone buys property and removes vegetation like plants, trees, shrubs, and bushes to enhance a view the root structure which was keeping the ground stable can be compromised leading to land subsidence or erosion over time when there is heavy rainfall and flooding. Knowing the features of your property which make it resilient is important when deciding how to develop or maintain it in a way which protects your investment and the environment.

There are a multitude of resources which can help property owners make assessments of property which will aid in decisions which lead to resilience and not degradation and damages from weather and natural disasters. Reputable and licensed builders, engineers, landscapers, and insurance providers (commercial, residential, and flood) can all be sources of information on what pans and improvements can be executed and implemented to protect property and promote viability and longevity of buildings and property. The Baldwin County Commission has information on their website, www.baldwincountyal.gov , under both the Emergency Management Agency and Building Department’s pages which inform property owners about resources for information on both hazards and potential mitigation measures. Viewing property during period of “blue sky” and rain can allow one to see drainage attributes, potential areas of “ponding” on property, and if the property may need minor or significant improvements to increase viability for its intended use, whether commercial, agricultural, or residential, etc. Although Baldwin County is subject to risk from many natural hazards, flooding is among the greatest of hazards. The Flood Management and Hazard Mitigation sections under the EMA page of the Baldwin County Commission Website are valuable sources of information. This information includes links to the FEMA Map Service Center, which is a tool used to view Flood Insurance Rate Maps, or FIRMs, which can indicate the level of risk flooding poses to a piece of property.

Hazard Mitigation and Flood Hazard Management Plans, Floodplain Management Ordinances, National Flood Insurance Program information, Ready.gov, and Real Time Flood Gauge Information are just a few of the online resources available in Baldwin County. The Baldwin County Building Department can answer questions about Fortified Construction, the benefits of this type of construction for homeowners, and the current adopted building codes. Local resources also include the Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Staff, especially the Planning & Grants and Mitigation Staff. The Baldwin County EMA Staff can help residents find information about flood risk, mitigation information, and help residents get to the right contact or agency, such as the Building Department for Floodplain Administration. To have their questions addressed. Residents can call (251) 972-6807 to speak with an emergency manager about the resources available to help mitigate flood risk. Baldwin County is beautiful and contains some of the most ideal pieces of property in the United States for living, visiting, farming, and operating a business. The best way for us to protect our communities and our resources is to evaluate our plans, property characteristics, and use the resources available, like those from the Baldwin County Commission, to promote sustainable living and enjoyment of our beautiful Baldwin County for generations to come.