The purpose of the Alabama Drought Management Plan is to minimize the impact of drought, to develop identifying methodology, to develop action plans to be used during a drought and to reduce the risk of drought disasters. The plan will outline both long- and short-term measures to be used to mitigate the effects of drought and to respond to drought conditions. In order to accomplish these goals the plan:
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Defines a process to address drought and drought-related activities, such as, monitoring, vulnerability assessment, mitigation, impact assessment, and response;
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Identifies long- and short-term activities that can be implemented to reduce and prevent drought impacts;
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Identifies local, state, federal, and private sector entities that are involved with state drought management and defines their responsibilities;
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Acts as a catalyst for creation and implementation of local drought and response efforts
There is no way to prevent a drought from occurring, however the effects of a drought can be reduced or even eliminated altogether. The impact of drought can be reduced by improving the overall forest health which reduces the risk of drought-caused fires, by improving and maintaining water systems which will reduce pumping failures. Also, by establishing and implementing contingency plans, such as, predetermined water conservation measures, or by designating alternative emergency water sources.
Please feel free to review the Drought Plan and submit comments and suggestions to:
Office of Water Resources
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
P.O. Box 5690
Montgomery, AL 36103-5690
Voice: 334-242-5499 Fax: 334-242-0776
drought@adeca.alabama.gov