The city of Gulf Shores will host its annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Thursday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, offering Gulf Shores residents and other community members an opportunity to learn how to prepare for hurricane season and access storm-related resources.

The free event is open to the public and will feature multiple vendors along with City of Gulf Shores departments and officials who will be available to answer questions about hurricane preparedness, emergency planning and services available before, during and after a storm.

Gulf Shores residents will also be able to obtain an updated 2025-2026 Hurricane Decal during the event.

The city encourages both longtime residents who have experienced hurricanes and newcomers who may be facing their first storm season to attend.

Hurricane decals are available only to Gulf Shores residents and property owners within the city's corporate limits and serve two primary purposes. They allow eligible residents and property owners to return to their property following an evacuation and provide free parking at all City of Gulf Shores beach access points. The decals also serve as a pass for parking at the Resident Lot at East Gulf Place.

According to the city, Gulf Shores residents and property owners within the city's corporate limits receive two decals mailed at no cost every two years in October to the billing address on file with Baldwin EMC. Those who did not receive decals or need additional decals may obtain them at Gulf Shores City Hall or the Gulf Shores City Store.

To receive decals, eligible Gulf Shores residents and property owners must provide a driver's license and proof of property ownership in Gulf Shores, such as a deed, utility bill or tax bill.

The city requires decals to be permanently affixed to the inside of a vehicle's windshield on the driver's side. Passes that are not permanently attached as required are considered invalid and may result in towing or fines at city-managed parking areas.

Each property within the corporate limits of Gulf Shores is assigned to an emergency district or hurricane zone. The color and number displayed on a hurricane re-entry and beach parking pass correspond to that property's designated zone. The designation helps police and emergency personnel identify who may enter restricted areas when security checkpoints are activated during emergencies.

For more information about the Hurricane Preparedness Expo, contact Brandan Franklin at (251) 968-1149 or bfranklin@gulfshoresAL.gov.

Questions about the Hurricane Decal Program can be directed to Gulf Shores City Hall at (251) 968-2425. Additional information is available at www.gulfshoresAL.gov/HurricaneDecal.