Effingham County Emergency Management Agency - IL

09/01/2026

Advice from the National Weather Service for dealing with the heat .......When outdoors in the heat, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. If you will be spending time outdoors, hats are also a good idea to protect your face and scalp from harmful UV rays. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen liberally. weather.gov/safety/heat

08/31/2026

Despite meteorological autumn beginning on Tuesday, summertime will remain in full force for the week. Afternoon heat index values of 100-105 degrees are likely, only falling into the mid 70s at night. Such an extended period of heat can adversely affect anyone with prolonged exposure.

08/21/2026

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration is September 8, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 12, 2027.

Myth: SBA disaster loans start piling on interest right away.

Fact: Interest does not accrue, and no payments are due, for the first 12 months of an SBA disaster loan.

SBA disaster loans may be an option for eligible homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations recovering from the June tornado.

Learn more or apply: www.sba.gov/disaster
SBA Customer Service: 800-659-2955
TTY: 7-1-1

08/18/2026

Need to refill your grill tank before the end of summer?
Whether you are picking up a refill on the way home from work or stocking up before a weekend gathering, know how to transport a propane tank the right way.
When a cylinder is refilled, have the supplier check for dents, damage, rust, or leaks.
Position the cylinder upright in a stable location where it is unlikely to tip or shift during transport. Use tie-downs or straps if available for added security
After filling, take the cylinder home immediately.
While transporting, keep the vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped.
Do not smoke or v**e while transporting a propane cylinder.
Do not leave the cylinder in a vehicle, move it immediately to a safe outdoor storage area.
Never transport a cylinder if you smell gas or suspect a leak.

08/11/2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration sent out a reminder of the upcoming deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans for physical damage. See below:

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding eligible businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters in Illinois of the Sept. 8 deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms and tornadoes occurring June 17.

The declaration covers the Illinois counties of Clark, Clay, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Moultrie, and Shelby, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from SBA.

Businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

“One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for nonprofits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms of up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online, visit www.sba.gov/disaster . Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 8. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 12, 2027. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.

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08/07/2026

A few moments of PATIENCE could save a life.
Let's all do our part to make this a safe school year!

Next Wednesday we ride! 🚌🚌🚌🚌🚌

For many parents, they're not just sending their child to school, they're watching their whole world climb onto a big yellow bus.

That's why we need every driver to:

🚸SLOW DOWN in school zones
🏡STAY ALERT for children waiting at bus stops
🔆FOLLOW THE RULES when a bus turns on its flashing lights and puts the stop arm out...

🛑 YOU STOP 🛑
No exceptions.

A few moments of PATIENCE could save a life.
Let's all do our part to make this a safe school year!

07/30/2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Center is now closed.

For online applications, visit www.sba.gov/disaster . Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659 2955 or email [email protected]. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7 1 1 for relay services.

Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest SBA disaster loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages. More information on the Effingham County declaration and a link to a Fact Sheet is available here: https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=IL-20028

The deadline to submit SBA disaster loan applications for physical property damage for the Effingham County tornado is September 8, 2026, and the deadline to submit applications for economic injury is April 12, 2027.