Safer Place shelter to open Sunday in Foley ahead of winter weather

Posted

 In anticipation of winter weather conditions, Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is partnering with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to provide a Safer Place shelter for residents and visitors in need of warmth and safety.

The shelter, located at 506 N. Pine St., Foley, AL 36536, will open on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 5 p.m. and remain available through Wednesday, Jan. 22 at noon. Anyone needing to contact the Safer Place can call (251) 256-8202.

Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to bring essential items, such as blankets, pillows, personal medications and any other necessities for their stay.

Baldwin County EMA has worked in coordination with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to ensure resources and support are in place for an effective community response during this event.

Winter weather preparedness tips for Baldwin County

As winter weather is unusual in Baldwin County, residents and visitors are encouraged to take the following precautions:

                          Avoid travel: Stay off the roads if possible. Icy conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses, can make travel hazardous.

                          Prepare your home: Keep extra blankets, flashlights and batteries on hand. If using a space heater, follow safety guidelines and keep it away from flammable materials.

                          Protect pipes: Insulate pipes and allow faucets to drip during freezing temperatures to prevent freezing.

                          Bring pets indoors: Ensure pets are safe and warm inside your home.

                          Stay informed: Monitor updates from the National Weather Service and Baldwin County EMA for the latest information. Gulf Coast Media will post updates from both agencies and more as conditions develop and evolve.

 

If you must drive on the roadways, be cautious and heed the following safe winter weather driving tips:

                          Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.

                          Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

                          Turn your lights on for increased visibility.

                          Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on ice roads.

 

Baldwin County Commission Highway Department is monitoring road conditions and will deploy sand as needed to address icy areas.

 

To receive Baldwin County alerts and weather updates, visit:

                          www.AlertBaldwin.com

 

Follow Baldwin County EMA on the following social media platforms:

                          Facebook - www.facebook.com/BaldwinCountyEMA

                          Twitter - www.twitter.com/BaldwinEMA

                          Instagram - www.instagram.com/baldwin.ema

 

Additional Sources of Information:

                          Baldwin County EMA – www.baldwincountyal.gov/EMA

                          National Weather Service Mobile – www.weather.gov/mob/

                          U.S. Department of Homeland Security - www.Ready.gov

 

For more information, contact the Baldwin County EMA at (251) 972-6807. In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.