Supporting Our Florida Neighbors

Posted on: Oct 10th, 2018 | News and Announcements

Mobile County Commission Statement of Support for Florida

Hurricane Michael, an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm, made landfall this afternoon in Mexico Beach, Florida, twenty miles east of Panama City Beach, leaving destruction and devastation in its wake. In an effort to aid our Florida neighbors during the aftermath of this catastrophic hurricane, the Mobile County Commission and the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) stand ready to provide assistance and resources as needed.

"This storm is a life-changing event for many people. They have lost homes, businesses and community facilities," said Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson. "We want to do all we can to comfort and help those whose lives have been upended by this catastrophe. Our thoughts and prayers are certainly with them."

Florida EMA officials can request assistance and resources through the Emergency Management Aid Compact (EMAC) system, a mutual aid agreement among states and territories to share resources during natural and man-made disasters. "EMA officials throughout the state understand the resources their individual counties can provide in these extraordinary circumstances. We work in a logistical manner to deploy the necessary equipment, materials and personnel to where it is needed," explained Ronnie Adair, Mobile County EMA Director.

"Our Florida neighbors are hurting. We're here to lend a helping hand whether that means supplies or experienced professionals," said Commissioner Merceria Ludgood. "It easily could have been us asking for help."

"I understand the strain on first responders and the dire circumstances they face," said Commissioner Jerry Carl. Last month Carl assisted the Mobile County Sheriff's Office in cooking meals for first responders in North Carolina. "The devastation I saw was unbelievable. I know Florida has suffered the same misfortune." Hudson said as volunteer opportunities are received, they will be posted on Mobile County's webpage http://www.mobilecountyal.gov/ and Facebook @MobileCountyAL.