Logan County Emergency Management Agency releases public health and safety information following storms

[July 11, 2017]  LINCOLN - Logan County's government leaders, public works, healthcare providers, emergency response and support agencies all gathered on Tuesday morning to discuss how the storms on Monday evening and Tuesday morning had impacted their communities, what was being done, and to anticipate resident and community needs. A news conference was then held in the afternoon to disseminate health and safety information.

The following information is important for everyone to know:

Public safety information following Monday and Tuesday storms with more storms possible and high heat indices expected this week

Two consecutive days of storms have caused many damages. Fallen limbs and trees downed many power lines in Lincoln and surrounding communities. Trees have also been weakened by 62 mph sustained winds and up to 80 mph wind gusts and made more vulnerable to any imminent future storms.

Power is expected to be restored to most of Lincoln by 5 p.m.

Some streets in Lincoln have barricades where debris is still in the streets. Many of these areas have power lines that need to be shut off before debris removal. Do not cross barricades.

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.

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.

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

Residents that have had lengthy power outages should consult the health department guidelines on food safety.

Heat and humidity will be a major factor for the next couple of days with indices expected to reach over 100 degrees. Avoid working in the heat, wear protective clothing and drink lots of fluids. Again, consult guidelines supplied by the health department.

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

Those who need a cool place to stay for Tuesday night can go to Lincoln College, Olin Sang Dormitory, next to the college library on Ottawa Street. It opens at 6:30 p.m. The Red Cross will assist with food, hydration, and showers will be supplied. Bring sheets and toiletries.

Salvation Army Keest Center will be open on Tuesday until 7 p.m. as a Cooling Station and recharging for medical equipment.

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 knocking out power, phones, and internet. Services are gradually being restored and the courthouse is open.

Persons with court hearings should still go to the courthouse at their scheduled time.

Persons wanting to pay their property taxes, a grace period of a couple days is being sought. Watch for more information on this.

Last bits of advice:
Remember to shut off generators before returning to electrical service power and do not use a generator indoors.

Check on the elderly and protect pets too from heat.

Tree debris burning is not allowed in the city of Lincoln. In the rural areas, tree debris burning only (no other materials) is allowed after calling Logan County EMA (217-732-9491) for the next 14 days.

Brush can be placed at curbside, please keep it off the streets.

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

City of Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman made a Local Disaster Declaration, which gives the city seven days to ask for aid. Mayor Goodman joined everyone else at the news conference on Tuesday in saying, "Be safe!"
 

[Logan County Emergency Management Agency]