Q. How do I report a missing person?

Contrary to popular belief, law enforcement agencies in Alabama do not require a person to wait a specific period of time before reporting a missing person. If you want to report a missing person contact the law enforcement agency in the area in which the person lives. You will be asked to complete a missing person’s report. If you have one, provide a recent photograph of the person being sought. If the missing person does not reside within the County of Mobile, a courtesy Missing Persons Report will be completed and then distributed to the concerned law enforcement agencies where the missing person lives and was last seen.

Q. What can you tell me about preparing for a hurricane?

Your safety is important to us. In the event of a storm it’s vital that you follow the orders and recommendations of emergency personnel.

The experts will tell you that preparation is crucial. Learn about the vulnerability of your home, and plan accordingly. If you are ordered to evacuate do so as quickly as possible. If you do not have to evacuate, be sure you have the supplies you need to weather the storm including medicines and ways to properly store them. For tips on developing an emergency plan go to one of the following web sites.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov This is the hurricane center of the national weather service. It has a wealth of information on storms, storm tracking and safety.

www.fema.gov/hazards/hurricanes is the site of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s hurricane information

www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/readyhurricane.html is the American Red Cross Hurricane preparation site.

Each of these sites has a common theme, plan ahead. And, each offers tips that will help you develop a comprehensive check list that will help you weather a storm with the greatest ease possible.