The Beach is Calling

Everyone knows – or can surmise – that a green flag flying at the beach means conditions are favorable for enjoying sand and surf. But do you know what a purple flag means? Or when it is illegal to enter the water on a Gulf Shores city beach? At www.thebeachiscalling.org, a handy chart of beach warning flags is available. From the home page, click on the “Hurricane Gustav” link. From there, follow the “beach warning flags” link for information on what the various colors mean. A double red flag means the water is closed to the public – and, in Gulf Shores, it is illegal to enter the water from a city beach when double red flags are displayed. A purple flag denotes the presence of “dangerous marine life,” while a single red flag denotes highly hazardous conditions such as rip currents. The beaches within Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Gulf State Park have adopted this flag system to alert beachgoers of surf conditions. Flags are posted at all public beach areas and conditions are monitored throughout each day. Keep in mind, though, that conditions can change quickly. One great thing about the Alabama Gulf Coast: If the Gulf isn’t welcoming, the sugary sands are. Unless the green flag is waving, skip the dip and work on your sand castle skills!

It is great to know that something designed for fun, recreation and enjoyment can also serve a greater purpose. The “Travel Tools” section of www.thebeachiscalling.org can do just that in times such as the weekend’s tropical weather outbreak. The “Weather” page has information travelers need to know such as current conditions and weather alerts. There also is a link to the Coastal Marine Forecast, a service of the Coastal Weather Research Center at the University of South Alabama. The special tab set up for Hurricane Gustav information also has weather information and conditions as well as various travel advisories. Residents and visitors alike can take advantage of this handy tool.

Good neighbors are priceless. For folks in Mississippi and Louisiana who evacuated ahead of Hurricane Gustav, good neighbors could be found throughout Alabama. Shelters were set up and staffed, and aid and comfort was available. Neighborly attitudes are sure to continue as people are beginning to return home. Those who pass through the Alabama Gulf Coast area on their way back home will be welcomed with the customary hospitality and generosity. This is what makes Alabama the “Heart of Dixie.” Those who find themselves in need of accommodations, meals or a diversion from the serious nature of the weekend can check out www.thebeachiscalling.org to find rooms, restaurants and ways to take their minds off their troubles.

Whew! What a relief to have Hurricane Gustav past us. The Alabama Gulf Coast came away in great shape, and that is something to be thankful for. Of course, there are folks in neighboring states who were not as fortunate. And, unfortunately, there will be those who will try to take advantage of the situation. Scam artists are always looking for an opportunity, an opening. A natural disaster provides them many chances to rip off someone who is suffering misfortune. There are a lot of great resources available for finding qualified help at www.thebeachiscalling.org. The tab set up for Hurricane Gustav information has the numbers for many officials in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Anyone who suspects a scam artist is at work should notify officials immediately. It was good to hear state and local leaders come out before the storm hit and take a strong stance against scams and price gouging. We should be grateful for the leadership displayed. To avoid being taken advantage of, those who need the services of tree removal crews or contractors should look for licensed, bonded companies. The “Alabama Links” button at the bottom of the homepage of www.thebeachiscalling.org takes visitors to links for the cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores as well as the local Chamber of Commerce. These agencies can provide information and assistance to help head off scams.

Everyone along the Alabama Gulf Coast is paying close attention to Hurricane Gustav. It looks like our area will dodge a direct hit. We will still have rough surf and high winds and heavy rain to deal with. But our thoughts now turn to our neighbors in Mississippi and Louisiana.