BAY MINETTE, Ala. — The Baldwin County Commission declared a local state of emergency Sunday and authorized the opening of the Baldwin County Coliseum at 10 a.m. Monday in Robertsdale as an emergency shelter as a result of Hurricane Ida.

The declaration activates emergency powers and expenditure of available resources and state aid requests.

The Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency is encouraging voluntary evacuations for all coastal communities, low-lying, flood-prone areas or residents living in mobile homes.

Residents who have no transportation and need assistance evacuating to the county shelter should contact the Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System at (251) 972-6807.

Any citizen evacuating to a shelter will need to bring their own supplies, including personal identification, sleeping bags, pillows, snacks, drinks, medications, sanitary products and personal items, according to Paula Tillman, county public information coordinator.

All BRAT routes are cancelled for Monday. All Baldwin County judicial courts and court proceedings also are cancelled.