Last week, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, I visited Alabama’s Gulf Coast to meet with state and local officials, as well as survey the damage done by this unexpectedly strong storm. It’s clear we have a lot of work to do to recover and rebuild, but I have faith in the resiliency and resolve of Alabamians when faced with a natural disaster. We’ve certainly had our fair share of these situations over the years, and although recovery from Hurricane Sally won’t happen overnight, we will get through this together and will rebuild stronger than before.

On Friday afternoon, I joined Rear Admiral John P. Nadeau, Commander, Eight Coast Guard District, for a flyover of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan to survey damage from Hurricane Sally. [Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard Aviation Training Center, Mobile, Ala.]

During my visit last Friday, I also joined the Coast Guard for a flyover of the impacted areas. That truly put the scale of the damage in perspective. I also met with Governor Ivey, representatives from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and other local officials on Dauphin Island. Our conversation was very helpful as I headed back to Washington this week to advocate for assistance at the federal level to help with recovery efforts.

On Friday, September 18, I joined Governor Kay Ivey, along with local officials
and emergency managers, for a press conference on Dauphin Island.

Even before the storm dissipated, I introduced a bill last week with Republican Senator John Kennedy, from our neighbor Louisiana, to provide forgiveness for CARES Act loans to small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Sally and Laura. From the sudden impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the destruction now caused by Hurricane Sally, Alabama’s Main Street businesses need more help to stay afloat to continue to serve our communities and to support good jobs.

While we have a long recovery ahead of us, we're off to a strong start thanks to the hard work of our first responders, linemen, Coastguardsmen and women, postal workers, and so many others at the state and local levels who are working day and night in south Alabama to get folks back on their feet. 

RESOURCES

On September 20, Alabama was granted a Major Disaster Declaration, which unlocks federal funds to help individuals and communities recover from a natural disaster. I encourage those who need it to take advantage of the programs and assistance available. 

Individuals in Baldwin, Escambia, and Mobile Counties can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the following ways:

• First — if you have a homeowner's insurance policy, file your insurance claim immediately, before applying for federal assistance. The faster you file, the faster your recovery can begin.
• Apply online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Constituents may call the registration phone number at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
• You will need to have the following readily available:   
  • A current phone number where you can be contacted;
  • You address at the time of disaster and the address where you are now staying;
  • You social security number, if available;
  • A general list of damages and losses; and
  • If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name

Businesses and homeowners may also be eligible for low-interest loans to pay for disaster-related damages. To apply:

•  First, register with FEMA at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• Second, apply online with the Small Business Administration at: www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. For one-on-one assistance with applying, call: 1-(800) 659-2955. Offices open Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Central Time).
• If you are deaf or hard-of-hearing, you may call (800) 877-8339.
• Email questions to [email protected]. 

Sincerely,

Doug Jones 
Senator for Alabama