DAPHNE, Ala.—One businessman in Daphne has come up with a way to give back to the community.

Jason Horn, an insurance broker, moved cross-country as he followed natural devastation with his job as a catastrophic-claims adjuster. He recently established a permanent residence in Daphne to spend more time with his 9-year-old daughter, Kaelyn.

But he hasn’t forgotten that Daphne is also prone to hurricanes; that’s why he wishes to give away free ice if a hurricane hits the Eastern Shore.

Horn, a casualty insurance broker, said that “one of the first things that people need to get back up and running is some sort of refrigeration.”

That’s why he wants to give away 20-pound bags—which usually cost $1.50—from his machine at the Veterans Pointe Chevron on U.S. Highway 98 across from the Daphne Civic Center. He would give emergency responders ice on the first day and provide it for other citizens afterward with amount limits correlating with the number of people affected, he said. For instance, if a Category 4, severe hurricane, hit, he may allow one bag per person since more residents would need the ice.

But many factors come with the charitable idea, he said.

First, the ice machine requires power, so electricity would have to be restored or a generator provided. Second, he needs help from city governments to meet regulations from the Baldwin County Health Department and other agencies, he said.

“I have a career and I have to feed my family,” he said. If the city will help with planning, “I’ll gladly give it all away.”

Horn said the city of Spanish Fort has not returned his calls, but the city of Fairhope has been helpful.

“Daphne gave me the number to Baldwin County Emergency Management, but other than that, I’ve had no response,” he said. “I have no concept of what it takes to run a city, but once the hurricane hits, they’ll realize how serious it is and that they should’ve helped me.”

“We appreciate all business people that offer their services at a time of need; I, myself, will give away free ice as long as I have power and I am sure Mr. Horn is no different and will do the same,” Daphne Mayor Fred Small said. “We have referred Mr. Horn to the logistics coordinator with the Baldwin County (Emergency Management Agency).”

Both parties seem to agree that hurricanes cause detriment to citizens and property in the storm’s path and that aid is needed to offset the pain and costs associated with those effects; however the amount and type of aid remain unclear unless they negotiate more of the planning process.

Chrissy Watson, a resident off Highway 54, said right now, every bit would help.

“I think that is a wonderful idea and it warms my heart to hear of someone trying to help our community; it would help everyone especially during this hard economic time,” she said, adding that low-income residents or those who’ve recently lost their jobs can use all the aid they can get, especially if it means salvaging perishable items.

Watson said hurricane-related expenses add up quickly, so she would welcome the assistance.

“I usually spend up to $200 to stock up on supplies—water, non-perishable food items, batteries, gas and ice—for a family of four; you never know how long you will be without power so you need to be prepared,” she said.

“Ice is only (about) $2 per bag, but when you add all of the other expenses it really adds up.”

Enna Gillihan, Horn’s fiancé, said she hopes the offer can help residents.

“I think the community would really appreciate it,” she said. “There’s enough devastation with what happens to their (citizens’) homes and possibly their families.”

Even if the plan doesn’t come to fruition, Horn said he’d like to help the community in other ways.

Since home insurance is more expensive south of U.S. Interstate 10, he said he would try to find residents the lowest possible rate.