Logan County Emergency Management Agency issues urgent Health and Safety Awareness following storms in Lincoln and Logan County

[July 12, 2017]  LINCOLN -

Logan County and Illinois Emergency Management Agency directors met with city of Lincoln and Logan County representatives to review and address continuing public health and safety needs following Monday and Tuesday storms.

Present were Illinois State Representative Tim Butler, city of Lincoln Alderman Rick Hoefle, and for Logan County: State’s Attorney Jonathan Wright, Board Vice Chairman Emily Davenport, and EMA Committee Chairman Robert Farmer.

Power has been fully restored. There are still a few residences that would need on-site repair before Ameren will restore. Remember low or downed lines can pose serious health and safety issues.

If you have an emergency call 911.

Non-emergencies may call 217-732-9491 (daytime) or 217-735-5544 (after hours) to report a downed line or to get Cooling Center information.

Safety

Citizens are asked to report any downed line. As power is being restored, what was a dead line may be become live. Live lines may cause fires and can kill. Use caution and stay away from all lines.

When driving, do not drive through flood waters. They may cover a power pole or live power lines.

Wind damages from the recent storms have weakened trees. Potential storms are in the forecast. It is estimated that even a 30 mph wind could have the same affect as the recent storms at breaking more tree limbs and causing more lines to be pulled down.

Health concerns

Heat and humidity indices are expected to reach over 100 degrees.

Lincoln College, Olin Sang Dormitory, next to the college library on Ottawa Street will once again be open for Wednesday night to those needing a cool place to sleep.

The Red Cross will assist with food and hydration. There will be shower access. Bring sheets and toiletries.

Avoid working in the heat, wear protective clothing, and drink lots of fluids.

The Salvation Army has a moving canteen looking for anyone outside on Wednesday.

Consult heat illness guidelines supplied by the Health Department. If heat illness symptoms persist for more than an hour, the person is disoriented, throwing up, if heat stroke or heat exhaustion is suspected, call 911. Seek medical attention immediately; do not give that person water.

Food spoilage

Residents who have had lengthy power outages should consult the Health Department guidelines on food safety.

Logan County Department of Public Health offers tips on heat safety and food safety in long periods without power - printable PDF

Business disruptions

Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce Director Cathy Wilhite said that the Chamber is willing to help any businesses affected by the storm. Please contact the Chamber office at 217-735-2385.

The Logan County Courthouse was struck by lightning which knocked out power, phones, and internet. Services are gradually being restored and the courthouse is open. Phone and internet is being worked on.

Power has now been restored to the Logan County Courthouse and it was reopened on Tuesday morning. Those who could not get in to their scheduled hearings on Tuesday morning were being contacted and rescheduled.

While phones and internet are not yet fully restored, all persons with court hearings should still go to the courthouse at their scheduled time.

Debris removal

Tree debris burning is not allowed in the city of Lincoln. Only landscape material, brush and trees, can be taken to the landfill; other storm damaged materials such as boards or objects are not permitted.

The city of Lincoln landfill will be open:
Monday – Friday this week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Brush can be placed at curbside, please keep it off the streets. In Lincoln, Street Superintendent Walt Landers said there is not a schedule, but that it would get picked up if left at the curbside. Bloomington is sending two trucks to aid in brush debris pickup.

In the rural areas, only tree debris may be burned (no other materials). For the next 13 days, burning tree debris is allowed after calling Logan County EMA 217-732-9491 in the rural areas only.

Last bits of advice:

Check on your neighbors and the elderly; provide fresh water and protect pets too from heat.

Remember to shut off generators before returning to electrical service power, check for any damages before turning appliances and other devices on, and do not use a generator indoors.

[Logan County Emergency Management Agency]