Hurricane Resource Guide


Please find important hurricane resources and updates below:
 

Hurricane Sally Business Survey

The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is working with the Baldwin County Chamber Coalition to compile current business operations and needs following Hurricane Sally. If you are a business operating in Baldwin County we ask that you take a few minutes and complete this survey so that we can adequately assist you and your business during this time.
 
 
 
 
 
 



BALDWIN COUNTY, AL, (Sept. 22, 2020) – 
 
Daily EMA updates
*Baldwin County EMA is doing twice daily live updates via Facebook Live at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The video is recorded and available on the EMA Facebook page at @BaldwinCountyEMA.
* Follow active updates from Baldwin EMA on our other social media channels – Instagram and Twitter (@BaldwinEMA). o *Important information is also available on the Baldwin County website (www.baldwincountyal.gov) and on the Baldwin EMA app that is free to download on your mobile device.
 
• Cleanup Assistance Hotline
*Residents needing help removing trees and debris should call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 1-800-451-1954 OR sign up online at www.crisiscleanup.org. 
*Volunteer groups coming to the county will work from needs documented in this database.
*The hotline is getting close to 1,500 calls per day and the phone lines are overloaded. If your call is not answered, please keep trying or apply on the website.
 
• Boat Owners/Boat Cleanup
o Hurricane Sally caused massive damage to marinas and boat storage facilities.
o Damaged or destroyed vessels must be removed from waterways and shorelines by the boat/vessel owner, who should remove it as soon as possible.
 
*Beaches
Alabama Gulf Coast beaches remain closed and are expected to reopen on Friday, Oct. 2.
 
• County Offices
o All county courthouses will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 24.
 
• Curfew
Many curfews have been lifted. Those still in place include:
? Fort Morgan and Gulf Shores from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
? Orange Beach has a boating/waterways curfew from 10:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. until further notice.
? Summerdale from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. through this weekend.
 
 
• Disaster Assistance
FEMA: FEMA has issued a disaster declaration for Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties as well as the Porch Band of Creek Indians. To file a claim for assistance, you must first register with FEMA in one of the following ways:
1. Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY# 1-800-462-7585)
2. Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov
3. Download the FEMA app on your mobile device and register using the app.
* Details on what is covered by Individual Assistance can be found online.
* It is important to understand that by law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.
* FEMA does not offer assistance for your secondary home. Federal guidelines only allow FEMA to provide housing assistance when your primary residence is impacted by a presidentially-declared disaster.

IRS Tax Relief
Victims of Hurricane Sally that took place on Sept. 14 now have until Jan. 15, 2021, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. Learn More
 
SBA
* The SBA has disaster assistance available for individuals (homeowners and renters), businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, small aquaculture businesses, and small agricultural cooperatives impacted by Hurricane Sally. ? These are low-interest disaster loans for uncompensated losses, such as if insurance wasn’t enough or there is no insurance.
* Apply online at www.disasterassistance.sba.gov or contact your local Chamber of Commerce for assistance. 
 
BEWARE OF FRAUD
*Any email correspondence from FEMA or SBA will come from official email addresses – fema.gov or sba.gov? DO NOT give personal or case number information via email to anyone claiming to be with FEMA or SBA if they are using a Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo or other email service (gmail.com, hotmail.com, yahoo.com).
o Baldwin EMA has been alerted that residents are being called by supposed FEMA representatives asking for personal information such as social security numbers (full number or last four numbers).
o DO NOT give out such information!
o FEMA will never ask for your social security number. FEMA representatives will only refer to your case number – they will give you the first four numbers and ask you to confirm the last four numbers of your case number.
o Educate yourself on the types of fraud and scams that tend to be seen after disasters. This information can be found on FEMA’s website at https://www.fema.gov/pressrelease/20200924/survivors-beware-fraud-scams-flourish-after-disasters. o Please report disaster fraud immediately to FEMA at by calling 1-866-720-5721 or by email to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov. 
 
• Fraud/Price Gouging/Scams
o Baldwin EMA is receiving multiple reports of price gauging for tree removal services and other home repairs.
o Report fraud or price gouging concerns to your local law enforcement agency. You can also report issues to the Alabama Department of Insurance Fraud Bureau at 334-241-4166.
o Legitimate contractors must have a business license for each city and county in which they are operating. Ask to see proof of this license as well as bonding and insurance.
o Always get written estimates from multiple contractors to make sure you get the best price and before any work is done.
o DO NOT pay cash for work nor for advanced deposits. Always pay by check or credit card so you have a record of the transaction.
o Never pay a contractor in full up front.
 
o DON’T FALL FOR SCAMS
? Any email correspondence from FEMA or SBA will come from official email addresses – fema.gov or sba.gov
? DO NOT give personal or case number information via email to anyone claiming to be with FEMA or SBA if they are using a Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, or other email service (gmail.com, hotmail.com, yahoo.com). 

*Report Scams

  Better Business Bureau

  BBB.org/csal

  800-824-5274 

  BBB Tip: Protect Yourself from "Storm Chasers” after a Natural Disaster



• Food Distribution Locations for This Week
o Feeding the Gulf Coast - Click here to see the weekly update of ongoing food distribution points.
 
• Garbage Dropoff and Pickup
o Baldwin County Solid Waste Management has scheduled staging sites for this week throughout the south end of the county for residents to drop off household garbage.
o This is anything that would normally go in their green county garbage cart, and will not accept vegetation, white goods, or construction and demolition material.
o If you are cleaning out the refrigerator or freezer, these items must be bagged in garbage bags. Unbagged items will not be accepted at these drop off locations.
o Citizens with questions should call Baldwin County Solid Waste at 251-972-6878.
o Schedule for locations:
Wednesday
3 Circle Church 10274 Hwy. 104 Fairhope, AL 36532 Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Barnwell Ballpark 7388 Martin Lane Fairhope, AL 36532 Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
Thursday
Perdido Beach Fire Dept. 8450 Escambia Ave. Perdido Beach, AL 36530 Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Old Foley Highway Barn 1013 N. Juniper St Foley, AL 36535 Hours: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
• Points of Distribution for essential supplies
o Fairhope has decided to close their Point of Distribution location.
o Baldwin County EMA is still operating other Points of Distribution (PODs) set up across the county providing emergency supplies to residents. The National Guard is at each location to assist with distribution. Supplies shipped to each community are based on 2010 Census population. The locations are:
Bay Minette (tarps only; 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) First Baptist Church Bay Minette 1201 Hand Ave. Bay Minette, AL Elberta (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Elberta Fire Department 13125 Chicago St. Elberta, AL Foley (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)Foley Soccer Complex 18507 US Hwy. 98 Foley, AL
Gulf Shores (tarps only; 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Gulf Shores Sportsplex 19025 Oak Rd West (County Rd. 6) Gulf Shores, AL
Lillian (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) Lillian Community Club 34148 Widell Ave. Lillian, AL
Orange Beach (7:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) Christian Life – The Island Church 25550 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL
Perdido Beach (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Perdido Beach Fire Department 8450 Escambia Ave. Perdido Beach, ALRobertsdale (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) South Baldwin County Coliseum 19477 Fairground Rd. Robertsdale, AL
Seminole (8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.) Seminole Fire Department Station 22 32268 Hwy. 90 Seminole, AL
Summerdale (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) 502 West Lee Ave. Summerdale, AL
 
• Shelters
The Baldwin County Coliseum located in Robertsdale is still open as an overnight shelter for existing shelter clients only.
 
• Schools
o Baldwin County Schools – will open on Wednesday, Sept. 30
o Gulf Shores City Schools – will open on Monday, Sept. 28
o Coastal Alabama Community College – opens Wednesday, Sept. 22
 
• Volunteer Registration Centers (VRCs)
o Volunteers wanting to assist with cleanup and repairs need to register at an official Volunteer Registration Center to be matched up with residents who need help.
o These centers are for individual volunteers; if with an organized group, the group leader should coordinate with the VRC.
o Volunteers will be issued a Volunteer ID by the VRC so that residents know the person has been approved to assist.
o Locations:
? Gulf Shores United Methodist Church on Hwy. 59. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
? Robertsdale at the PZK Hall on Hwy. 104. Hours at 9:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.
 
• Boil Water Notices
o All boil water notices have been lifted for Riviera Utilities customers. 
 
 
• Power Restoration
o Both Baldwin EMC and Riviera Utilities report they are close to having power fully restored across Baldwin County.
Out-of-town utility crews will start demobilizing over the weekend.
 
• Charity Organizations Offering Assistance
o Baptist Association
* First Baptist Church Gulf Shores – Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan residents apply in person for cleanup assistance
*First Baptist Church Robertsdale – Elberta, Foley, Robertsdale and Summerdale residents apply in person for cleanup assistance.
*Feeding America/Feeding the Gulf Coast (food distribution efforts)
* Red Cross (assisting across the county)
*Samaritan’s Purse (First Baptist Church Foley) – Taking applications for cleanup assistance and installing temporary roof tarps. ? People requesting assistance from Samaritan’s Purse must call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 1-800-451-1954 to get into the database. DO NOT call the church in Foley.
* Salvation Army (feeding people across the county)
 
 o County Commission Offices
– County Commission Offices are open, and Court Offices/Circuit Clerk reopens Thursday, Sept. 24.
Some offices in Foley are unable to reopen at this time, specifically Foley DA, Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, Probate, Revenue and ALEA.
 
o Courts
– Baldwin County 28th Judicial Courts/Circuit Clerk will reopen Thursday, Sept. 24. All jury trials scheduled through the end of September are cancelled, per Judge J. Clark Stankoski, Presiding Circuit Judge of the 28th Judicial Circuit. 
 
• Debris Cleanup
o Baldwin County is still under a burn ban until October 31. Residents clearing yard debris should not burn because outdoor burning can get out of control very quickly, and water pressure issues caused by Hurricane Sally can impact water flow at fire hydrants.
o Yard and home debris should be sorted properly and set out by the road.
o Sort your piles into appropriate types such as vegetative/tree limbs, construction & demolition (C&D), white goods (appliances and furniture), hazardous (paint/chemicals/poisons) piled at the edge of your property along the street. Click here for a handy debris sorting chart.
o Do NOT put your debris piles under power lines, block fire hydrants, or impede traffic.
o Do not bag your debris. Cleanup crews will only pick up loose debris.
o Debris cleanup crews have been deployed and will only pick up debris along your street that has been sorted.
 
 
• Donations
* Individuals wanting to support Baldwin County residents recovering from Hurricane Sally are encouraged to use the official local United Way Hurricane Sally Relief Fund at www.unitedway-bc.org.
 
• Food Safety
o Power outages associated with hurricane storm force winds can cause concerns about the safety of frozen and refrigerated foods. As a general rule, a full upright or chest freezer will keep foods frozen for about two days without power.
o A partially full freezer will keep foods frozen for about one day. This time may be extended by keeping the door shut. A refrigerator will keep foods cool for four to six hours if the door is kept closed as much as possible.
o Any thawed foods that have been at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. Foods still containing ice crystals can be refrozen, although the quality of the food may decrease. Foods that have thawed to refrigerator temperatures (that is, no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit) can also be cooked and then refrozen.
o Additional resources (including infographics):
* https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe-after-emergency.html
*https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html
*https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-and-water-safetyduring-power-outages-and-floods? *https://www.fda.gov/media/72124/download
 
• Generator Safety
o While the use of a generator can help you get on the road to recovery, it can also pose danger to your health and safety if not used correctly – especially carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution, and fire.
o Generators should not be operated indoors, should be set at least 20 feet from any structure, and should not be used in rain or wet conditions.
o More extensive generator guidelines can be found online, but always consult your owner’s manual.
 
• Price Gouging/Scams
o Baldwin EMA is already hearing reports of price gauging for tree removal services and other home repairs. o Legitimate contractors must have a business license for each city and county in which they are operating. Ask to see proof of this license as well as bonding and insurance.
o Always get an estimate in writing before any work is done.
o DO NOT pay cash for work nor for advanced deposits. Always pay by check or credit card so you have a record of the transaction. • Volunteer Registration Centers (VRCs)
o Volunteers wanting to assist with cleanup and repairs need to register at an official Volunteer Registration Center to be matched up with residents who need help.
o These centers are for individual volunteers; if with an organized group, the group leader should coordinate with the VRC.
o Volunteers will be issued a Volunteer ID by the VRC so that residents know the person has been approved to assist. o Two Visitor Registration Centers are now operating:
Gulf Shores Gulf Shores Sportsplex 19025 Oak Rd West (County Rd. 6) Gulf Shores, AL Registration Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
 
Additional information on post-storm safety is available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/be-safe-after.html.
 
For more information, contact Jenni Guerry or Sherry-Lea Botop, Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency at jguerry@baldwincountyal.gov or (251) 972-6809. 





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