Voluntary Evacuations Encouraged; Price Gouging Law Goes Into Effect

MONTGOMERY – Governor Bob Riley today declared an official state of emergency in Alabama due to the imminent threat posed by Hurricane Dennis.

The emergency declaration enables the Governor to invoke various emergency preparedness measures including Alabama’s price gouging law.

In addition, Governor Riley is encouraging residents in Mobile and Baldwin counties to begin voluntary evacuations.

“Ultimately, our goal is to save lives and the best way we can do that is to get people to evacuate,” Governor Riley said.

“We have all of the assets in place and we are taking every precaution to save lives, protect property and get people in danger out of harm’s way.”

Alabama’s price gouging law applies only during times of a state of emergency issued by the Governor.

“It is an absolute outrage to gouge consumers during a time of crisis and it will not be tolerated in Alabama,” Governor Riley said.

“The state will be monitoring any price gouging and will prosecute offenders.”

Governor Riley and Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Bruce Baughman are meeting with local emergency management officials in Mobile and Baldwin counties today to discuss storm preparations.

For more information, contact the Governor’s Press Office at (334) 242-7150.