Hurricane Sally Relief

• FEMA, SBA, DHR Program Updates

  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
  

  •  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.
  • Read FEMA Determination Letter Carefully; You Have the Right to Appeal
  • Know the Facts! Ignore the Myths and Rumors About FEMA Assistance
  • FEMA Urges You to Spend Disaster Funds Wisely
  • Renters Affected by Hurricane Sally May Apply for Disaster Assistance
  • Homeowners/Renters Can Apply for SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
  • Alabama Communities Rebuild with Help of FEMA Disaster Assistance
  • Daily Fact Sheet - Alabama Hurricane Sally, DR-4563, Day 23
  • Disaster Legal Services 
    

  National Flood Insurance program
  

  Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage provides a claim payment for the cost

  to comply with State or community floodplain management laws or ordinances after

  a direct loss by flood. When a building insured by a Standard Flood Insurance Policy

  (SFIP) under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) sustains a flood loss and

  the community declares the building to be substantially or repetitively damaged, ICC

  coverage helps pay up to $30,000 for the cost to elevate, floodproof (nonresidential

  only), demolish, or relocate the building.

  ICC coverage is available on residential and non-residential buildings (this category

  includes public or government buildings, such as schools, libraries, and municipal

  buildings) insured under the NFIP’s flood insurance policy.
  
  

  • FAQ INCREASED COST OF COMPLIANCE
    

  
  

  SBA

  • SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Alabama For Businesses Affected by Hurricane Sally
  • 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 were not enough or there is no insurance.
  • Apply online at www.disasterassistance.sba.gov or contact your local Chamber of Commerce for assistance.

   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).

   

• FEMA Comunicado de prensa en español

  • FEMA lo insta a gastar sabiamente los fondos para desastres
  • Sobrevivientes del huracán Sally en los condados de Baldwin, Mobile y Escambia pueden solicitar asistencia por desastre de FEMA
  • ¡Atención sobrevivientes! El fraude y las estafas aumentan después de los desastres
  • Inspecciones remotas de viviendas y qué esperar después de inscribirse
  • Asistencia para remoción de escombros ahora disponible para condados afectados por huracanes
  • Los centros móviles de inscripción de FEMA abrirán los domingos en Atmore y Foley
  • La asistencia federal en Alabama para los sobrevivientes del huracán sobrepasa los $11 millones
  • Los inquilinos afectados por el huracán Sally pueden solicitar asistencia por desastre
  • Lea atentamente la carta de determinación de FEMA; tiene derecho a apelar
  • Los inquilinos que enfrenten desalojo en Alabama pueden ser elegibles para recibir ayuda federal

• Building Department

  Visit:  Building Department Website

  IF YOU HAVE BUILDINGS ON YOUR PROPERTY THAT WERE DAMAGED DURING HURRICANE SALLY, PLEASE READ BELOW FOR PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION:
  
  The Baldwin County Building Department issues building permits for the unincorporated areas of Baldwin County (including but not limited to Lillian, Ono Island, and the Fort Morgan peninsula) as well as for the Towns of Elberta, Magnolia Springs, and Perdido Beach. If you live inside city limits other than those towns listed above, please contact your city’s Building Department for permitting requirements and information.
  
  The Baldwin County Building Department has three office locations throughout the county. You may choose the location most convenient for you:

  Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, 1100 Fairhope Ave., 251.990.4641

  Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E. Section Ave., 251.972.6837

  If you have any damage to any buildings on your property caused by Hurricane Sally, you will need to obtain a building permit for demolitions, repairs, and/or construction. The Building Department will begin accepting permit applications when the offices reopen on Wednesday, September 23rd. We will be accepting all permit applications including new construction; however, applications related to hurricane damage will be prioritized. 
  
  We understand you may need to start the clean up process and emergency repairs right away. We ask that you submit your permit applications as soon as possible after the offices reopen. We suggest that you take photos inside and outside of the damaged buildings prior to starting any work. We will need printed copies of the photos when you apply for your permit.
  
  If you are located within a zoned area of Baldwin County, you must first obtain a Land Use Certificate from the Planning & Zoning Department that services your location BEFORE applying for a building permit. You may contact your Planning & Zoning Department to determine if your property is in a zoned area and for information on how to apply to their department:

  Baldwin County Planning & Zoning (Fort Morgan, Ono Island, and some other unincorporated areas): Foley Satellite Courthouse, 201 E. Section Ave., 251.972.8523 or Robertsdale Central Annex, 22251 Palmer St., 251.580.1655.

  Town of Elberta Planning & Zoning: 251.986.6174 for Caryn Woerner

  Town of Magnolia Springs Planning & Zoning: 251.965.9888, ext. 4904 for Jenny Opal White

  Town of Perdido Beach Planning & Zoning: 251.962.2200 (P&Z approval not required for a re-roofing permit)

  You may download the Building Department permit application here: 
  
  Building Permit Application for Residential Structures

  Please refer to the second page of the application for a complete list of requirements and documents needed. Here are some helpful hints when applying:

  For demolitions, the applicant will need a detailed scope of work that describes the types of structures that will be demolished.

  To repair or replace a roof, the applicant will need a detailed scope of work that describes how the roof will be repaired or replaced and what materials will be used. Download ->  Re-Roofing Requirements and Inspections.

  • Home Builders Licensure Board will issue Emergency Roofers Licenses beginning IMMEDIATELY.
  • Emergency Roofer Press Release 9/30/2020

  For building construction or repairs, construction plans will be required. If the damage affected the structural integrity, the construction plans must be signed and stamped by a design professional who is licensed in the State of Alabama. Two sets of plans are required for unzoned property. Three sets of plans are required for zoned property. The applicant will receive one approved set of plans back when the permit is issued. 

  Once you have completed the permit application and have all required documents (including an approved Land Use Certificate if you are in a zoned area), you may submit your application in person at one of our three office locations. If you can scan or combine all of your documents into one file, then you may choose to submit your application online on our website at  https://services.baldwincountyal.gov/BuildingInspection. Keep in mind that if your project requires construction plans, you should not submit your application online. You will  need to submit your application in person at one of our office locations. Please do not send digital copies of construction plans at this time.
  
  Property owners or their authorized agent (such as a contractor) may apply for permits. If an authorized agent or a contractor will be used, then both the property owner and the authorized agent or contractor must complete and sign an Authorized Agent form.

  All contractors are required to hold an active State of Alabama business license that is issued through any county in the state. To obtain the required business license, contractors may contact the Baldwin County Sales & Use Tax/License Inspection Department at 251-972-6844.
  
  For any contractor who is repairing or replacing a residential roof with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) over $2,500, the builder is required to hold a home builders roofers license and a $10,000.00 bond. For any contractor repairing a residential structure with a job valuation (cost of labor & materials) over $10,000, the builder is required to have a home builders unlimited or limited license. If the work involves more than one trade and/or affects structural integrity, then the builder is required to have an unlimited license. You may search for licensed roofers and home builders on the State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board website at  https://hblb.alabama.gov/.

   

  
  

• Boat launches updates 10/13/20

  Boat launches closed until further notice:

   

  Seminole Boat Launch - OPEN as of 10/13/20

  Lillian Boat launch - OPEN as of 10/13/20 
  Piers CLOSED to the public

   

  Parks/water access closed until further notice:

  Sibley Street access  - OPEN as of 10/13/20

  Bohemian Park - CLOSED

  Inspiration Oak Historic Site and Park -CLOSED

  Perdido Bay Park -CLOSED

  Josephine Park/Fishing Pier -CLOSED
  Boat Launch - OPEN as of 10/13/20 

   

• Charity Organizations Offering Assistance

  • 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 – Taking applications for cleanup assistance and installing temporary roof tarps.
    • People requesting assistance from Samaritan’s Purse must call the Crisis Cleanup Hotline at 251-284-1727 to get into the database.
  • Salvation Army (feeding people across the county)

• 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.

• Debris Cleanup

  Baldwin County is 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 reduce water flow at fire hydrants.

  • Yard and home debris should be sorted properly and placed by the road.
  • 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 debris sorting chart.
  • Do not put your debris piles under power lines, block fire hydrants, or impede traffic.
  • Do not bag your debris. Cleanup crews will only pick up loose debris.
  • Debris cleanup crews have been deployed and will only pick up debris along your street that has been sorted. (see attached Infographic)
    
    

  

   

   

• FEMA guidance on Tree Hazards - Leaners, Hangers, Stumps, and Tree Removal

  • Category A (Debris) Hazardous Limbs, Trees andStumps

• FEMA-Related Scams

  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).

  • DO NOT give out such information!
  • 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.
  • 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/press-release/20200924/survivors-beware-fraud-scams-flourish-after-disasters.
  • Please report disaster fraud immediately to FEMA at by calling 1-866-720-5721 or by email to FEMA-OCSO-Tipline@fema.dhs.gov.

• Follow us on Social Media

  • EMA Facebook
  • Baldwin County Facebook

   

• Mosquito Control

  County’s contract for mosquito control:

  Mosquito Control Services
  1-800-256-1784
  southeastmosquitocontrol.com

• Emergency Points of Distribution (PODS) – Closed

  As power and other utilities have largely been restored and stores are opening, all Baldwin County Points of Distribution (PODs) have closed. Some communities do still have supplies provided by churches and other organizations. Please check with your city for such locations.

• Price Gauging/Scams and Fraud

  • Baldwin EMA is already hearing reports of price gauging for tree removal services and other home repairs.
  • 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.
  • Always get an estimate in writing before any work is done.
  • 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.
  • 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 personal email services.  Always look for .gov. 

   

• Revenue Commission (Submit Damage Report)

  Revenue Commissioner Teddy Faust, Jr. encourages property owners to notify the Revenue Commission Office of damages caused by Hurricane Sally.  The Revenue Commission’s website has been modified for property owners to submit information relating to damages.  Please visit:  https://baldwincountyal.gov/Government/revenue-commission

  Click here to directly submit:  Hurricane Damage Report

• Volunteers Registration Centers

  Volunteers Register Online: DISASTER VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM

  To register over the Phone please call:  251.580.1695

  • The location in Gulf Shores has changed to the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church on Hwy. 59. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • 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.
  • These centers are for individual volunteers; if with an organized group, the group leader should coordinate with the VRC.
  • Volunteers will be issued a Volunteer ID by the VRC so that residents know the person has been approved to assist.

   

• EMA Media Alert Updates

  • 9/25-BCEMA Media Alert - Recovery Update
  • 9/24-BCEMA Media Alert - Recovery Update
  • 9/23-BCEMA Media Alert - Recovery Update
  • 9/22-BCEMA Media Alert - Recovery Update
  • 9/21-BCEMA Media Alert - Recovery Update 
    
  • 9/20-BCEMA Media Alert - Recovery Update

   

  For more information, contact Jenni Guerry or Sherry-Lea Botop, Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency at jguerry@baldwincountyal.gov or SherryLea.Botop@baldwincountyal.gov (251) 972-6809.