Dothan Churches Will Open Storm Shelters Friday
Four local churches will offer overnight emergency shelter starting Friday evening ahead of tropical weather.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Safety
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The Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Agency has partnered with four local churches to open storm shelters beginning Friday, October 9, 2026. These locations aim to provide refuge for residents living in mobile homes or older buildings during incoming tropical weather.
Why it matters
The program addresses a critical need for shelter space as Dothan hotels currently report zero vacancies for Friday night. By providing these spaces, local authorities hope to protect residents who may be at higher risk in less secure housing structures.
Four local churches are participating in the Shelters From the Storm program: Logos Church (736 S. Shady Lane), Mt. Enon Baptist Church (3167 Iris Road), Southside Baptist Church (423 E. Cottonwood Road), and Memphis Baptist Church (4595 Eddins Road).
The players
Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Agency
This agency coordinates disaster preparedness and emergency response efforts for the city of Dothan and Houston County.
Logos Church
Located at 736 S. Shady Lane, this is one of the four participating religious institutions in the storm shelter program.
Mt. Enon Baptist Church
Located at 3167 Iris Road, this church is opening its doors to provide shelter during the tropical weather event.
Southside Baptist Church
Located at 423 E. Cottonwood Road, this congregation is participating in the emergency shelter initiative.
Memphis Baptist Church
Located at 4595 Eddins Road, this facility serves as one of the temporary refuge locations for area residents.
The details
The participating churches are not certified storm shelters and do not meet official FEMA standards for severe weather events. The Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management Agency will continue to monitor the weather and assess if further shelter capacity is needed.
Timeline
Shelters open and hotels report full occupancy on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Shelters will close their doors at 7 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
These temporary shelters are organized to supplement existing infrastructure following the National Weather Service's storm shelter guidelines. The program marks a departure from standard FEMA-certified protocols, prioritizing immediate community access over full structural storm certification.
Residents currently living in mobile homes or older structures should plan to relocate to these shelters before the weather deteriorates on Friday evening. Please note that these facilities are not certified for severe storms, so occupants should maintain situational awareness.
The takeaway
When professional emergency infrastructure reaches full capacity, local community partnerships can provide vital gap coverage. Residents should always verify shelter rules and accessibility requirements before arriving at any temporary emergency location.
Further reading
For more information on emergency preparations, visit the Safety section.
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