Gulf Shores, Ala. — (GSN) — While living on the Gulf Coast provides beautiful sunsets and aquatic scenery, it also means you have a hurricane season. The category 3 and higher storms don't make landfall in Alabama often, but it does happen. How you prepare make a big difference in your happiness and confidence.

Have you been through a hurricane? Whether you're a storm veteran or would be a first-timer, you'll find helpful information at our Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo on Thursday, June 25, at the Erie Meyer Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

This free event is open to everyone and offers an opportunity to learn about hurricane preparedness, along with the products and services available before, during, and after a storm. 

Multiple vendors will be onsite, and several City of Gulf Shores officials will be available to answer questions. Gulf Shores residents who need an up-to-date (2025–2026) hurricane decal can also obtain one during the event.

For more information about the Gulf Shores Hurricane Preparedness Expo, please contact Brandan Franklin at 251-968-1149 or bfranklin@gulfshoresAL.gov.

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Hurricane Decal FAQ's:

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹?

These Hurricane Decals serve two important purposes: 

1. They get you back to your property after an evacuation. 

2. They allow you to park for FREE at all City of Gulf Shores beach access points. These decals also serve as your pass to park at the Resident Lot at East Gulf Place. 

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝗜 𝗼𝗯𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹?

Each Gulf Shores resident/property owner living within the corporate limits of the City of Gulf Shores should receive two decals mailed to the billing address on record with Baldwin EMC during October every two years at no cost. If you did not receive your decals, or need to purchase additional decals, you can obtain them by visiting Gulf Shores City Hall or the Gulf Shores City Store. You will need to bring the following items to receive your decals: Driver's License, and a Proof of Property in Gulf Shores (Ex. Deed, utility bill, tax bill, etc.).

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗿? 

Decals must be permanently affixed to the inside windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle. Any pass that is not permanently affixed to the vehicle as stated will not be considered valid and is subject to towing or fines at all city-managed parking areas.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 & 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻?
Every property and home within the corporate limits of the City of Gulf Shores is located in an assigned emergency district/hurricane zone. The number on your Hurricane Re-Entry/ Beach Parking Pass corresponds with your property's respective zone. It allows police and emergency personnel to quickly identify who should be allowed into a restricted area(s) at the appropriate time in the event of an emergency and security checkpoints are activated. 

If you have additional questions about the Hurricane Decal program, please contact Gulf Shores City Hall at 251.968.2425, or visit www.gulfshoresAL.gov/HurricaneDecal.