Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Riviera Utilities has announced it will offer free severe-storm preparedness sessions to the public. These sessions are available to neighborhood groups, businesses, churches, and civic clubs. The utility provider said its team wants to help neighbors feel more prepared for the season. The sessions are interactive and teach residents about storm safety and recovery.

The program officially began its new cycle on June 1, 2026. This launch coincides with the traditional start of the Atlantic hurricane season. Utility officials said they saw a strong need for the program after reaching hundreds of people last year.

Riviera Utilities hosted more than 10 sessions across the service area during the previous year. Those meetings took place in community centers, local businesses, and private homes. The company said those visits underscored the importance of community when preparing for natural disasters.

The sessions explain how utility restoration works behind the scenes after a major storm affects the area. Experts will discuss how crews set restoration priorities and why some locations get power restored first. This information helps residents manage their expectations during a widespread outage.

Participants will learn about generator safety and the best ways to use emergency supplies. The classes also cover evacuation planning and other best practices for surviving a storm. Utility teams hope the training gives people greater confidence when severe weather arrives.

There is no cost to host or attend these preparedness sessions for groups in the service area. The utility team said they welcome any group, regardless of size or location. They added that both formal and informal gatherings offer good opportunities for meaningful discussion.

Each presentation is tailored to the specific audience and their unique concerns or questions. Program leaders said they aim to provide practical takeaways families can use immediately. This approach allows neighbors to ask specific questions about their own homes or businesses.

“Storms are inevitable. Being prepared is a choice,” the organization stated in its official announcement. The utility company said its goal is to build knowledge and confidence throughout the community. According to the company, knowing what to expect can reduce stress during a disaster.

Riviera Utilities provides services to residents in both Foley and Daphne, Alabama. Communications lead Lily Jackson said the team is ready to schedule these visits immediately. Groups can request a session through a formal online request form.

The program is open to both longtime residents and people who recently moved to the Gulf Coast. Officials said that even those who have lived through decades of storms can learn something new. Staying up to date on utility response plans is an important part of personal readiness.

Baldwin County residents can contact the utility offices in Foley or Daphne for more information. The company said it remains committed to helping neighbors weather the upcoming season safely. These sessions are part of its overall mission to serve South Baldwin County.