Effingham County Emergency Management Agency - IL

09/04/2026

Impacted by the Effingham County tornado in June?
The filing deadline to return applications for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans for physical property damage is September 8. According to the SBA release on August 10, 2026, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications. SBA disaster loans may be an option for eligible homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofit organizations recovering from the June tornado. (See below, call or click the link for more information)

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

Press Release
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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09/04/2026

If you're heading out on the water this Labor Day weekend:
• Make Sure Children Are Wearing a Life Jacket*: Make sure children are wearing a properly fitting and activity appropriate U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Put down the cell phone. One of the top five contributing factors to boating accidents is inattention. Just like distracted driving on our highways, talking, texting, and other use of cell phones while boating is a growing problem on the water. Don’t contribute to this problem. Keep your eyes on the water ahead and around you.
• Watch for Speed & “No Wake” Zones: Obey all posted speed limits and "no wake" zones, particularly in congested areas or marinas.
• Avoid Alcohol: Don't drink and drive a boat; alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. Stay sharp when you’re on the water by leaving the alcohol on dry land.
• Assign a Lookout: Designate a passenger to act as a second set of eyes to spot obstacles, swimmers, and other vessels
• Drive at a safe speed. Excessive speed and improper lookout are two of the top contributing factors to boating accidents. Make sure you understand the local rules and laws of the waterway and follow them closely. Take note of visibility, traffic density, and proximity to navigational hazards such as floating objects.
• Know the weather conditions before boating. Check the weather forecast, monitor conditions and be prepared for it to change. Take action before a storm hits!

09/04/2026

Planning on using the grill this weekend?
From picking up a refill tank to putting your grill away, celebrate the Labor Day Weekend safely:
• While transporting, keep the vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped.
• Do not smoke or v**e while handling a propane cylinder.
• Before lighting your gas grill, always inspect your propane tank for leaks.
• Clean your grill before using.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
• Never leave your grill unattended while in use.
• Cool your grill before storing.
• Turn your cylinder off when not using.
https://effinghamcountyil.gov/emergency-management/

09/03/2026

Extreme Heat Warning—Take Action! An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.
Tips to beat the heat:

Stay Hydrated
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.

Stay Cool
Seek air-conditioned spaces as much as possible.
• If your home is not air-conditioned, go to a public space like the library, shopping mall, or big-box store or stay with friends/family who have A/C.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Close window shades and blinds to block out sunlight.
• Use a fan to circulate air, but don't rely on it solely for cooling.

Limit Outdoor Activity
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• If you must be outdoors, schedule tasks for early morning or late evening.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunscreen.

Monitor Vulnerable Individuals
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and pets.
• Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness.

Recognize and Respond to Heat Illnesses
• Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs and abdomen.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache.
• Heat Stroke: High body temperature, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
• If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
• For heat exhaustion, move the person to a cool place, give them fluids, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Prepare for Power Outages
• During heat waves, power outages can occur. Have a plan in place for cooling and communication.
• Consider having a backup generator if you rely on electricity for cooling or medical devices.

If you’ve got A/C.
• Maybe, welcome friends and family who don’t.

09/02/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Weather Service in Lincoln Predicts Very Hot and Humid Conditions Through Friday with An Extreme Heat Warning

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Effingham County Emergency Management Agency and Effingham County Health Department urge residents to take precautions due to the extreme heat conditions. The National Weather Service in Lincoln predicts heat indices up to around 105 through Friday, September 5th 2026, and minimal relief overnight with lows in the mid 70s. The high temperatures and high humidity forecast could lead to heat related illnesses with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following:

• Increase fluid intake, avoiding drinks with sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
• Decrease strenuous, outdoor activities and remain in air conditioning when possible.
• Check on well-being of elderly family and friends who may be living alone.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats. Individuals with chronic health conditions should be monitored because they may be more susceptible to the heat. Residents are encouraged to also make preparations for their pets to stay cool as well.

If you are in need of emergency cooling, please contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 217-342-2101, and you will be put in contact with heat relief resources.

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09/02/2026

Planning on using the grill this weekend?
From picking up a refill tank to putting your grill away, celebrate the Labor Day Weekend safely:

• While transporting, keep the vehicle ventilated with the cylinder valve closed and plugged or capped.
• Do not smoke or v**e while handling a propane cylinder.
• Before lighting your gas grill, always inspect your propane tank for leaks.
• Clean your grill before using.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
• Never leave your grill unattended while in use.
• Cool your grill before storing.
• Turn your cylinder off when not using.

https://effinghamcountyil.gov/emergency-management/

09/01/2026

This event is for all Illinois residents.
Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission are hosting a Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, October 3rd at Coles County Memorial Airport. Please sign up for a drop-off time using the link in their flyer. No commercial, industrial, or agricultural waste will be accepted.

We are hosting a Household Hazardous Waste event on Saturday, October 3rd at Coles County Memorial Airport. Please sign up for a drop-off time using the link in our flyer. This event is for all Illinois residents. No commercial, industrial, or agricultural waste will be accepted.

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.