A winter storm watch will remain in effect Friday through Sunday at noon. Ice is expected to form throughout Friday and continue all weekend. Travel could be hazardous as roads will be slick. City of Effingham EMA Coordinator Kim Tegeler recommends that residents only hit the roadways if necessary. “If you don’t have to [drive] we encourage you not to,” Tegeler said.
Residents who do brave the storm should be prepared. Tegeler recommends checking road status before leaving and having supplies in case of an emergency. “Make sure you have a flashlight, ice scraper, blankets, extra water, and some jumper cables in your vehicle,” she suggested.
Tegeler also recommended that residents also be prepared at home for difficulties. Supplies like nonperishable food, water, a radio, spare batteries, and an alternative heat source should be kept on hand. Ideally, enough supplies should in a household for all residents to survive for 72 hours without help.
Effingham has two primary shelters, the EPC, on Outer Belt West, and the Ron Diehl Center on Fourth Street.
You can here a full interview with EMA Coordinator Kim Tegeler here!