Alabama implements new camp safety laws and statewide alert system

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has introduced several new safety initiatives and a statewide notification system, ‘ALalert’, to enhance disaster preparedness across the state. The agency recently briefed county leaders on these developments, which include new regulations regarding camp and dam safety.

Following the signing of the Sarah Marsh Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act by Governor Ivey on April 8, 2026, Alabama is implementing a licensing process for summer camps. This law requires camps to develop emergency preparedness plans and specific safety measures, a move prompted by a fatal 2025 flood at Camp Mystic in Texas that claimed the lives of 27 people, including Alabama native Sarah Marsh.

In addition to camp safety, the EMA is working with landowners to ensure dam safety and is rolling out the ‘ALalert’ system to provide timely emergency notifications to citizens. Governor Ivey has emphasized that preparedness is essential for responding to catastrophic floods and other natural disasters.