Gulf Shores holds hurricane expo

GULF SHORES, Ala. - City and business leaders in Gulf Shores know a thing or two about hurricanes and to make sure residents are on their toes with the upcoming hurricane season a Hurricane Expo was held as part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. 

The reason to why May Alanko attended the Gulf Shores Hurricane Expo was simple. "Well, because we own property here and we were living here when Ivan came in," Alanko said.

Alanko and her husband were originally just snow birds but decided to make the Gulf Coast their home in 2001. Alanko said even though they haven't lived here all of their lives they've learned how to deal with hurricane season.

"When it comes it's all hurry, scurry right away and if you are prepared then you've got your, as my daughter says, 'fly away kits ready,'" said Alanko.

Alanko said evacuation routes and shelters were on the top of her list. Brandan Franklin with the city of Gulf Shores said it is important to get this kind of information before a storm threatens.

"From past experience we get hit and we get hit often by the storms. We know if you are better prepared then the aftermath is easier to deal with," said Franklin.

A number of City Departments including police and the fire department as well as other agencies like Baldwin EMC and the Fish & Wildlife agency took part in the expo.