ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDNews) — The Enterprise City Council has approved a new Safer Place location that will give residents an additional option to seek shelter during qualifying severe weather events.
City officials voted Tuesday night to authorize Mayor William E. Cooper and Fire Chief Christopher Davis to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with First Methodist Church Enterprise, officially designating the church as a Safer Place.
“This agreement strengthens our community’s ability to respond when severe weather puts lives at risk,” said Mayor William E. Cooper. “It ensures that residents who need a safer place have a coordinated, well-managed option available.”
The agreement is part of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency Safer Places Program, created under Act 2021-165. The program is intended to provide a last-resort location for individuals who may not have access to a safe structure when dangerous weather is approaching. City officials noted that Safer Places are not storm shelters but are pre-event locations designed to reduce risk and enhance public safety during high-impact weather conditions.
Under the agreement, the City of Enterprise may request use of designated areas within First Methodist Church during qualifying severe weather or extreme temperatures. The facility may also be used as a cooling station during periods of excessive heat, with all activations subject to church approval and normal operations.
Activation of the Safer Place will occur only for the time necessary to protect public safety and will be coordinated with the Coffee County Emergency Management Agency.
The Enterprise Fire Department will work alongside the Coffee County Community Emergency Response Team (CC-CERT) to provide training and operational support. Coffee County Emergency Management will assist with notification, coordination, and inclusion of the facility in the statewide Safer Places Program.
“This is what community partnership looks like,” said Cooper. “I sincerely appreciate First Methodist Church Enterprise, Coffee County Emergency Management, and CC-CERT for working with the City to create a safer option for our citizens when severe weather threatens. By coming together, we are better prepared to protect lives when it matters most.”
The Safer Place will be staffed by trained volunteers, including members of CC-CERT. Residents interested in supporting emergency response efforts are encouraged to participate in upcoming CC-CERT training. The next class begins Thursday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m. at Central Fire Station. The three-day course continues Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, and Saturday, Feb. 7. Attendance at all three sessions is required. The $25 registration fee is tax deductible.
For more information about CC-CERT training or volunteering, residents can contact Scotty Johnson, CC-CERT coordinator, at 334-806-1994.
City officials said any public announcements related to the activation of the Safer Place will be issued jointly by all parties to the agreement.
