Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama’s new statewide flood alert system is live, giving Alabamians direct warnings about flooding and other severe‑weather threats. The program, developed with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and state lawmakers, is designed to reach citizens on cell phones, landlines, and local TV and radio stations.
Why the system matters for local families
Flooding is one of the state’s most frequent natural hazards, affecting both rural counties in West Alabama and large metro areas such as Tuscaloosa, Jefferson, and Shelby. Steep hills, narrow hollows, and dense clay soils cause water to rise quickly, putting families and children at risk. Governor Ivey emphasized that protecting the safety of all Alabamians—especially children—is a top priority.
How to opt in
Residents can sign up in three simple ways:
- Visit ema.alabama.gov, select the ALalert section, and complete the online form.
- Text ALalert to 77295 for emergency alerts and notifications.
- Text ALinfo to 77295 for general preparedness information.
The system will also serve sparsely populated rural counties such as Perry, Hale, Greene, Sumter, Pickens, and Lamar, where traditional local alerts may be limited.
Legislative background
The alert mechanism fulfills a goal of AEMA that dates back several years, but the tragic July 2025 Texas flooding along the Guadalupe River—where 27 children died at a summer camp—spurred Alabama to act quickly. In response, Governor Ivey signed the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act in April 2026, dedicating $1.2 million to launch the statewide system and strengthen safety protocols for Alabama’s summer camps.
Governor Ivey said, “The watchword for all Alabamians is preparedness, and the activation of the new statewide notification system will provide the most effective tools for our citizens to be prepared in the event of catastrophic floods and other disasters.” She urged every resident to sign up immediately.
What the system means for the community
By delivering alerts directly to phones and broadcast outlets, the program reduces the time between a flood threat and a family’s ability to act—potentially saving lives and property. Local emergency managers expect the system to complement existing county‑level alerts, creating a layered approach that reaches both urban neighborhoods and remote farming communities.
Community leaders and faith‑based groups have praised the initiative, noting that early warnings give parents the chance to evacuate children, secure homes, and coordinate with churches and schools for shelter. The rollout aligns with the administration’s broader focus on public‑safety investments and parental‑rights to protect families.
Next steps
The alert service is now operational, and officials will monitor its effectiveness throughout the upcoming storm season. AEMA plans to evaluate response times and gather feedback from residents to refine the system. For more information, Alabamians can visit the AEMA website or text the keywords listed above.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
