As a tropical storm has now developed into Hurricane Francine, agencies in Mobile and Baldwin counties are making recommendations to help citizens prepare for the inclement weather.
The National Weather Service in Mobile provided an update concerning Hurricane Francine Wednesday morning.
According to the update, Mobile still remained outside the direct path of Francine but threats of severe weather remained.
These threats included heavy winds, rainfall and flooding, potential of several tornadoes and deadly rip currents.
Because of the possibility that Francine could move further into Alabama, agencies have issued alerts and recommendations for how citizens should prepare.
Sharee Broussard, Director of Public Affairs & Community Services for Mobile County, told AL.com that the general message was to be “informed and be prepared.”
Broussard said citizens were encouraged not to get information from unofficial sources and instead follow updates from the National Weather Service or local news stations.
Broussard also stressed that people should prepare as if Francine was going to be a direct hit on Mobile County.
“It’s not going to be a direct hit on us but we still need to prepare,” Broussard said.
“What if it were to Wobble a little bit this way? So, we encourage people to prepare as if we could be right in the path of the storm because we will be getting some of the periphery. And at the same time, it’s a good test run for the future for us.”
The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency had a list of preparedness tips for citizens.
- Have multiple ways of receiving correct information from National Weather Service of Mobile, Baldwin County EMA, and your local news outlets.
- Sign up for local, emergency alerts through www.alertbaldwin.com/.
- Know your risks and potential impacts. Know your location on a map, your evacuation zone and potential evacuation routes.
- Have any necessary supplies gathered to be self-sufficient for 5 days. Don’t forget medications and pet supplies.
- Review important documents and insurance policies. Make sure you have flood insurance if needed.
- Make an emergency plan and ensure all family members know how to contact each other and where to meet in case of an evacuation.
- Steer clear of misinformation (especially on social media). Have multiple forms of receiving CORRECT information. (Baldwin County EMA, National Weather Service of Mobile, Local media outlets, etc.)
- Monitor daily beach conditions and be aware of flag warnings. For a daily beach report, text ALBEACHES to 888777.
Mobile County and BCEMA have locations of safe places that are open on their websites for those in need.
