Alabama · Preparedness Guide
Tornado alley without the warning times of the Plains, Gulf coast hurricane exposure, and a safety net with some of the lowest benefits in the country.
About this guide
Alabama sits in Dixie Alley — the southern extension of tornado country where storms strike fast, often at night, and with less lead time than the Great Plains. North Alabama (Huntsville, Decatur, the Tennessee Valley) is one of the most tornado-prone regions in the country. Central Alabama fans out across the Black Belt, where poverty and limited infrastructure compound every hazard. South Alabama and the Gulf Coast deal with hurricane exposure and surge risk — Ivan (2004) and Sally (2020) are the modern benchmarks. Every part of the state has a risk that demands real preparation.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Tornadoes, Hurricanes & Storm Surge, Flooding
AL has not expanded Medicaid — eligibility is more limited for adults without dependents
USDA hardiness zones: 7a (far north) to 8b (Gulf Coast)
Unemployment: up to $275/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the AL risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours