Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- From the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office:
First of all, our hearts go out to the families who suffered catastrophic loss during last night’s tornado, especially those that were injured. Our hopes and prayers will continue as we double-check and make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. Thankfully we have not received any reports of fatalities or missing persons.
During the storm and its immediate aftermath, the Effingham County 911 Center dispatched the following calls for service to law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical personnel:
- 17 calls involving utility-related problems
- 14 calls involving homes, farms, or businesses that sustained heavy damage or structural collapse
- 2 storm-related vehicle accidents
- 2 business alarm calls attributed to weather conditions
- 3 calls involving reports of smoke, gas, or fire odors
- 1 storm-related emergency medical assistance call
- 8 weather-related calls, including reports of downed trees, funnel clouds, and tornado touchdowns
Several agencies are still working to check for injured, clear the roads and power lines and assess the damage. Please do not venture into the heavily damaged areas just to look. There are still power lines down and roadways filled with hazards. Please let the emergency crews work.
Sheriff Kuhns also released a statement with more information on the storm damage and what the public can do, and what to avoid.
I know the community will come together to clean up and salvage property like they always do. That is how our community works, but please be careful, there are still hazards to contend with.
Times like these are when we all demonstrate that Effingham County is a great place to live and work.
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