Shelter status: check your county
Shelter openings change by storm; check your county before you go. Check your county emergency management for shelter status, as well as closures, curfews and re-entry, before you go anywhere.
Statewide: FDEM open shelter list. Updated 4:20 AM CT Sat Oct 10, 2026. All county links
Prepare. Evacuate if told. Recover safely.
A message from the BBIA: We've gathered official information and quick links to help you prepare for a storm, evacuate when officials tell you to, and recover safely afterward. If you are told to evacuate, leave. Know your zone and follow your county's orders. The BBIA is also here to help. Call us at 850-890-8554 or email stacy@baybia.org and we'll point you in the right direction.
Thank you to all of our first responders for tirelessly serving our community.
Hire a licensed contractor
Hire a licensed BBIA member. Find a trusted local pro for repairs and rebuilding, and ask for proof of license and insurance before work starts.
Your county's official info
Evacuation orders, shelters and local alerts come from your county's emergency management office. Sign up for your county's alerts now.
Bay County
Emergency Services: 850-248-8140
Calhoun County
Emergency Management: (850) 674-8075
Franklin County
Emergency Management: 850-653-8977
Gulf County
Emergency ManagementCounty
Holmes County
Emergency Management (Sheriff's Office)County
Jackson County
Emergency Management: (850) 482-9678
Washington County
Emergency ManagementNot sure of your evacuation zone? Use the state's Know Your Zone lookup. Shelter openings change by storm; check your county's page or alerts before you go.
Prepare now
NWS Tallahassee
Local forecasts, hazards and briefings for Bay and surrounding counties.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
State updates, Know Your Zone and disaster plans.
Bay County Emergency Management
Evacuation zones, shelters and AlertBay sign-up.
Insurance: get ready
Florida Dept. of Financial Services storm prep, including an inventory of your belongings.
Business & job-site safety
OSHA hurricane preparedness guidance for employers and workers.
Member job-site prep checklist
- Secure or remove loose materials and debris.
- Tie down or remove dumpsters and portable toilets.
- Secure cranes per the manufacturer's instructions and OSHA guidance.
- Protect open permits and inspections: contact your local building department about permit status and any extensions.
- Back up documents and take dated photos of job-site conditions.
- Fuel and secure equipment.
- Stop work in time and get crews to safety.
Guidance: OSHA Hurricane Preparedness. Bay County permits: Building Permits.
Recover safely
Hire a licensed, insured contractor
Find a licensed BBIA member contractor. Ask for proof of insurance before work starts.
Verify a Contractor License
Hire only licensed, insured contractors. Check any contractor's Florida license before you sign or pay. The BBIA can help, too.
Avoid storm chasers
DBPR says be cautious if someone:
- Demands full payment up front
- Pressures you to act immediately
- Can't provide a valid Florida DBPR license
- Offers to "handle" your insurance claim
- Wants cash only
FEMA disaster assistance
Apply for federal help if a disaster is declared for your county.
Insurance claim basics
- Photograph and video all damage.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent more damage; keep receipts.
- Contact your insurer promptly.
- Use licensed contractors.
DFS Insurance Consumer Helpline:
1-877-693-5236
Bay County recovery info
Closures, curfews, re-entry, damage reporting and recovery updates. In other counties, follow your county emergency management.
Small business recovery
SBA disaster loans for businesses and homeowners when a disaster is declared.
Links go to official government sources. County alert sign-ups are the systems linked from each county's official site. Storm details: National Hurricane Center. In an emergency, call 911.