Dale County has been named in thirteen federal disaster declarations since 2000. They range from tornado outbreaks to Hurricane Michael in 2018, a reminder that Gulf storms still carry wind and heavy rain this far north.
Fire & Water Energy is strictly a referral service; independent companies do the actual restoration. If you call (866) 937-3230, we'll try to put you in contact with an independent contractor serving Ozark, but we can't promise one is open at a given moment. The referral disclosure covers how this works.
Wiregrass weather: summer downpours and Gulf storm tracks
The city's climate is humid subtropical. Wikipedia's 1991–2020 figures show about 56.9 inches of precipitation a year, with July the wettest month at over 6 inches, July highs near 91°F and January lows around 38°F. Freezes happen but tend to be brief.
Dale County's FEMA list includes Hurricane Ivan (2004), Hurricane Dennis (2005), Hurricane Michael (2018), a 2009 severe storms and flooding declaration (DR-1870), the April 2011 outbreak, and severe storms with straight-line winds and tornadoes as recently as 2020 (DR-4554). Storms in 2014 and 2016 also brought flooding.
Everyday water damage repair needs in Ozark
Heavy summer thunderstorms test roofs, gutters and window flashing, and the long air conditioning season means overflowing condensate pans and clogged drain lines are a regular source of ceiling and closet leaks. Water heaters, toilet supply lines and slab plumbing leaks round out the common causes.
Military households near Fort Rucker often move in and out on short notice, so leaks in a vacant or recently rented home can go unnoticed. Someone offering water damage restoration in Ozark should identify the source, extract standing water and document drying progress with moisture readings. See our pages on water damage repair and emergency water removal.
Federal disaster declarations that included Dale County
FEMA records show Dale County was included in 13 major disaster declarations for weather or fire events from 2000 through 2026 (10 severe storm, 3 hurricane, by FEMA incident type). Declarations are made at the county level, so they do not mean every neighborhood in Ozark was affected. The most recent:
- 2020 – Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and Tornadoes (DR-4554)
- 2018 – Hurricane Michael (DR-4406)
- 2016 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4251)
- 2014 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-4176)
- 2011 – Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (DR-1971)
- 2009 – Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-1870)
Source: OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, retrieved 2026-10-10. Counts include major disaster (DR) declarations with hurricane, flood, severe storm, tropical storm, fire, tornado, coastal storm, winter or ice storm, mudslide and dam/levee incident types.
Water, fire or storm damage in Ozark?
Call (866) 937-3230 and tell us what happened at your Ozark property.
Fire damage in historic and newer homes
The county's past includes a fire with lasting consequences: when the Newton courthouse burned in 1869, officials moved the county seat here. Broad Street is lined with antebellum buildings, and the Claybank log church dates to 1856, so the town has plenty of older wood construction.
After a fire, a reputable company will usually secure the property, clear out burned debris, dry areas soaked by firefighting, then clean soot and treat odors. Historic finishes call for careful testing before cleaning. Reading for homeowners: fire damage restoration and soot removal.
Hurricane and tornado cleanup across Dale County
When a hurricane like Michael pushes inland, the damage here is usually wind and rain: uprooted pines, roofs peeled back, and water entering through openings for hours. Spring and fall severe weather adds tornadoes and straight-line winds to the mix.
Contractors commonly tarp roofs, remove trees from structures, and pull out wet ceiling drywall and insulation before starting dryers. If outside water entered the house, flooring and lower walls are typically removed and the area sanitized. More on hurricane damage cleanup and storm damage cleanup.
Heat, humidity and mold growth
Southeast Alabama's long, muggy summers make mold one of the fastest follow-up problems after any water event. Damp drywall, carpet pad and cabinet bases can show growth within a couple of days if they aren't dried.
EPA guidance points to a professional when mold covers more than about 10 square feet or the water involved was contaminated. Remediation crews typically build containment, use HEPA air filtration and remove materials that cannot be cleaned. Read about mold remediation.
Before anything else in Ozark: safety and records
- Call 911 for fire, injuries, a natural gas smell or downed lines.
- After a hurricane or tornado, wait for officials to say roads and neighborhoods are safe before returning.
- Avoid contact with floodwater; it can carry sewage, chemicals and hidden debris.
- Take wide and close-up photos of all damage and save receipts.
- What gets paid depends on your policy; talk with your insurer or agent about wind, water and flood terms.
Then call (866) 937-3230, or look through our Alabama service areas.
Neighborhoods and nearby communities
Nearby communities with their own pages (straight-line distance from Ozark):
Ozark restoration FAQs
Did Hurricane Michael affect Ozark?
Dale County was included in the federal major disaster declaration for Hurricane Michael in 2018 (DR-4406). Inland counties typically see wind damage, fallen trees and heavy rain from storms like that, so check roofs and attics after any tropical system.
When is the wettest time of year in Ozark?
July averages the most rain, a little over 6 inches, driven by summer thunderstorms. Clean gutters and check roof flashing before summer to reduce leak risk.
I'm renting near Fort Rucker and found a leak. Who handles it?
Report it to your landlord or property manager in writing right away and photograph the damage. They generally arrange repairs, but you may want renters insurance to protect your own belongings; check your policy for details.
How many disaster declarations has Dale County had?
FEMA counts thirteen major disaster declarations for the county since 2000, mostly severe storms and tornadoes, plus Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Michael.
Does Fire & Water Energy have an office in Ozark?
No. We run a phone referral line at (866) 937-3230 and try to connect callers with independent restoration contractors in the region. Whether a provider is available depends on local demand.
Restoration guides
- Water Damage Repair
- Emergency Water Removal
- Hurricane Damage Cleanup
- Storm Damage Cleanup
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation