Alabama utility crews to help Florida after Hurricane Ian, 'repaying the favor' for Sally

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WPMI) — Help is coming for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian as Alabama utility crews are preparing to head to storm-affected areas with supplies.

Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan said the city's line crews know what it's like to face recovery after a major storm, and that they received help from Florida-based utilities after Hurricane Sally in 2020.

"After Sally, Gainesville Regional Utilities came to help us with our recovery. So, we're sending 2 bucket trucks, a utility truck, 10 guys from our electric department and some groundsmen. We're also taking some supplies and other stuff," said Sullivan.

Sullivan said the crews will set up a staging site near Gainesville, Florida, and will be ready to respond once the storm passes.

According to Sullivan, Gainesville crews made a big difference on the Eastern Shore after Hurricane Sally.

"They really form a bond when people come help us through recovery. We work with the Electric Cities of Alabama mutual aid crews, and when Gainesville reached out, we said 'Absolutely. You were here for us, and we want to be there for you'," Sullivan added.

Sullivan said the city is taking donations at its public utilities building, including snacks and drinks for their crews, as well as other items that will be in short supply after Hurricane Ian strikes.

"It's going to be a lot different now for these areas impacted by the hurricane because of supply chain issues and other stuff," said Sullivan, "I know when we see a hurricane enter the Gulf, we start praying that it bypasses our area, but we also start praying for those people in other areas that it might hit."

Fairhope crews will leave between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Wednesday.