Effingham County Emergency Management Agency - IL

06/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Effingham County Tornado Multi-Agency Resource Center Participants
EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Effingham County Emergency Management Agency is able to confirm several state agencies as well as local organizations and resources will be available at their Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). The MARC is taking place at the Hearts Rock Café, Effingham High School, 1301 W. Grove Avenue, Effingham, on Thursday, June 25th from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. and Friday, June 26th 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

State agencies that have so far confirmed are Illinois Department of Insurance, Office of the Attorney General of Illinois, Illinois Department on Aging, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security. Please note the U.S. Department of Agriculture will only be able to attend on Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Local organizations who are able to attend include, Catholic Charities, C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation, Effingham County Case Managers, Effingham County Health Department, FISH, Heartland Human Services, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Southeastern Illinois Foundation, Summit Township, and Veterans Affairs.

The event will be open for residents impacted by the recent tornado, allowing them to connect with recovery resources and support services in one convenient location. Those affected by the tornado can learn about available resources, ask questions, and receive help navigating the path forward. The MARC was organized by the American Red Cross and Effingham County Emergency Management Agency (ECEMA). For more information call the ECEMA at 217-540-1669.
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06/23/2026

We can't say how grateful we are to CEFS for all their help with the resource call line. Thank you!!!
From Wednesday, please call the Effingham County Emergency Management Agency at 217-540-1669.

06/23/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Effingham County Tornado Multi-Agency Resource Center - MARC

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) will be open for residents impacted by the recent tornado to connect with recovery resources and support services in one convenient location.

Organized by the Red Cross and Effingham County Emergency Management Agency (ECEMA), the MARC will be hosted at the Hearts Rock Café, Effingham High School, 1301 W. Grove Avenue, Effingham, on Thursday, June 25th from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. and Friday, June 26th 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

The MARC is designed to bring state agencies plus local organizations and resources together in one place, so individuals and families affected by the tornado can learn about available resources, ask questions, and receive help navigating the path forward.

For more information call the ECEMA at 217-540-1669.

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06/23/2026

Effingham County residents and businesses are encouraged to be aware of a new Executive Order issued by Effingham County Chairman Josh Douthit during the current Local Disaster Declaration.

Effective June 19, 2026, contractors operating in disaster-affected areas must meet registration and licensing verification requirements. The order is designed to help protect property owners by ensuring contractors are properly registered, insured, and licensed to perform work in Effingham County.

The order remains in effect for the duration of the Local Disaster Declaration issued June 17, 2026, including any extensions, unless amended or rescinded by the Effingham County Board.

View the full Executive Order and requirements here:
https://effinghamcountychamber.com/news/

06/22/2026

Thank you to The Human Bean for bringing us coffee. It's getting us through today!

06/22/2026

The declaration relates only to businesses soliciting that are not based in Effingham County. (Does not apply to any business with a principal address in Effingham County established prior to June 17, 2026.) It does not prevent residents from approaching any business of their choosing.

Board Chairman signs Executive Order requiring contractor registration and licensing verification during local disaster declaration :

On June 19, 2026, The Effingham County Chairman, Josh Douthit,

06/22/2026

We urge residents impacted by Wednesday’s tornado to be cautious when approached by unsolicited contractors offering repairs. Unfortunately, there are individuals and businesses who attempt to take advantage of residents during difficult times, especially homeowners dealing with storm-related damage. Please don’t believe them if they say FEMA or the State will pay for any part of it.

Please see this information we put together; you can also find additional information on Illinois Home Repair and Construction Repair Rights here: www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/Page-Attachments/Home%20Repair_KnowYourRights.pdf

Before Signing a Contract:

• Contact your insurance agent before agreeing to any repairs.
• Ask friends, family, or your insurance company for contractor referrals.
• Take time to research contractors and verify their credentials.
• Never feel pressured to sign a contract immediately.

If you believe you were pressured or forced into signing a contract, Illinois law gives you three business days to cancel it. For assistance, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline at 1-800-243-0618.

Debris Removal
Contact your insurance company before removing debris. Property owners are generally responsible for clearing debris from their property, but many insurance policies cover debris removal as part of restoring your property after a loss. Your insurance company can explain what is covered and what documentation may be required.

Tree Removal
Check directly with your insurance provider to determine whether tree removal is covered and what limitations may apply.

Many homeowners’ insurance policies provide only limited coverage for tree removal. In many cases, insurance may cover removing a tree from a home or structure to prevent additional damage, but it may not cover hauling the tree away from the property.

If you hire a contractor to remove trees, make sure the contract clearly states whether removal and disposal are included. Contractors who agree to remove trees should also be responsible for properly disposing of them according to the terms of their contract.

06/22/2026

Remember, if you encounter floodwater:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown®.

06/21/2026

UPDATE:
🙏We are so grateful to CEFS for all their assistance with the call line 🙏
From Wednesday June 24th calls should be directed to Effingham County Emergency Management Agency at 217-540-1169.

UPDATE: 🙏We are so grateful to CEFS for all their assistance with the call line 🙏
From Wednesday June 24th calls should be directed to Effingham County Emergency Management Agency at 217-540-1169.
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If you, your family, and property have been impacted by Wednesday’s tornado and need help, many organizations have been volunteering to assist.

06/21/2026

Make sure to enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone. If flooding occurs while you’re outdoors, immediately get to higher ground, and NEVER enter flood waters in a vehicle or on foot.
Remember these flash flood safety tips:
• If a flash flood warning is issued for your area, or if there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.
• Do not drive into flooded areas.
• Do not disregard or drive around traffic barricades that close off flooded roadways.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.
• If you encounter floodwater: Turn Around, Don’t Drown®