Governor Kay Ivey kicked off the 2026 Regular Session Tuesday evening by delivering her ninth State of the State address, announcing she is launching a statewide flood notification system.
The governor’s action comes after Texas experienced devastating flooding that claimed the lives of Alabamians, including Sarah Marsh, who was away at a summer camp.
“Alabama is no stranger to natural disasters,” said Governor Ivey. “Protecting the safety of all Alabamians, especially our children, is our top priority, and this statewide flood notification system will ensure families receive timely alerts to prepare and stay safe. By launching this notification system now, we are getting ahead of Alabama’s camps serving children this summer.”
Governor Ivey is taking the first step by providing an initial $1.2 million to fund the notification system this year, as well as working with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) to establish the system in all 67 counties.
During the governor’s address Tuesday evening, she stressed to the Legislature that the state needs to prepare for the unknown.
This initiative enhances an existing statewide emergency notification system currently administered by AEMA, which will now be used specifically to support the governor’s statewide flood notification program. Governor Ivey is encouraging the Legislature to fund this program going forward.
AEMA will continue to oversee the operation of the notification system, including its administration, maintenance, and technical management. Legislative funding appropriated from ALEA will support the program’s execution as part of Governor Ivey’s broader emergency response efforts.
