Emergency Community Safe Room at the Library Basement During Severe Weather
Effingham, IL—The City of Effingham and the Emergency Management Agency will activate an Emergency Community Safe Room during severe weather events. The shelter, located in the basement of the Effingham Public Library, will provide temporary refuge to residents seeking safety from storms or other hazardous weather conditions. Shelter activation will be based on criteria including tornado warnings, dangerous wind speeds, or other hazardous conditions as determined by the National Weather Service and the City’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Once activated, announcements will be made through local radio, TextMyGov, and social media. The emergency sirens will also be sounded to alert residents who are outside to take shelter. Upon arrival, all shelter guests will be asked to sign in and follow posted shelter rules, including no weapons, no alcohol or drugs, and respectful behavior. Families will be kept together, and basic supplies, including water, blankets, and charging stations, will be available. Pets are allowed if leashed or crated.
EMA Reminds You: ALWAYS BE PREPARED! There may not be time to reach a shelter, or it may not be immediately available.
Community volunteers are vital to the shelter’s success. Individuals who wish to volunteer for the City of Effingham Emergency Community Safe Room Operations must sign up before volunteering.
What to do
- Respond to this NEED request
- You will be contacted by an EMA representative to answer any questions and provide next steps
What's next
After receiving your application, a background check will be conducted. After that, you will be notified of upcoming training sessions which will focus on shelter operations and safety protocols.
