For Immediate Release

Christian County Emergency Management Agency

December 7, 2018
12:00 PM Release
Impact:
Taylorville: At approximately 5:15 PM on December 1, 2018, the City of Taylorville and
surrounding areas were impacted by tornadic winds. The National Weather Service
assessed the damage in the Taylorville Area on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
The National Weather Service has posted information about the Taylorville tornado on
the following site:
https://www.weather.gov/ilx/01dec18-outbreak
Initial Response:
Fire Departments from Christian County including Springfield (Tactical Response
Team). Decatur (Tactical Response Team), Assumption, Edinburg, Midland, Moweaqua,
Mt Auburn, Morrisonville, Owaneco, Pana and Nokomis from Montgomery County
made ambulances available to Taylorville. Two search and rescue teams from the
Mutual Aid Box Alarm Organization responded to assist in search and rescue activities.
At approximately 1:00 AM on December 2, 2018 most of those resources were released.
The city was broken down into two geographical areas and resource groups were broken
down into “task forces”. These task forces worked throughout the night checking for
people that could have been trapped in residences and any secondary hazards such as
downed power lines or gas leaks. The leaks were mitigated by the crews or referred to
Ameren for further mitigation.
Advice to Homeowners:
Taylorville Police Department has become aware that some contractors have been
notifying homeowners of work to be done on their properties without the homeowner
soliciting the service. Taylorville Police Departments advises residents that they should
notify the police department if the service does not appear to be valid. Taylorville Police
Department advises residents to obtain names, phone numbers and license plate
numbers if the suspect fraud. Some of these contractors are using what appears to be
local numbers to contact residents. Be sure that the contractor is licensed and bonded
before allowing them to do work and do not give any contractor cash before work is
preformed. Residents should also read each contract carefully before signing it.
Two locations will be established for residents as warming and relief centers. For
residents in the south portion of the area that has been affected, the location will be the
corner of Houston and Coal Streets and the location for residents the area in the north
portion of the area that has been affected is 500 West Market (behind the Taylorville
IGA store). These sites are warming sites and bottled water and “grab and go” lunches
are available as well.
Residents should be careful as they clear debris as there may be downed power lines in
the debris. While most of these power lines have been de-energized, there is always the
possibility of a line being re-energized. Residents are cautioned to be extremely careful
when cleaning up debris. Cleaning debris is like shoveling snow. It is very stressful and
can be detrimental to people who are not in good physical shape.
If you experience pain, nausea or lightheadedness when cleaning debris,
stop and take a break. If the symptoms persist, call 911 and request medical
attention.
Electrical Outages can be reported to Ameren at 1-800-755-5000
Debris should be segregated into woody debris which is tree limbs, shrubs, etc and
construction and demolition debris. The woody debris will be collected first and it
should be moved to curbside so responders can begin the process of removing debris.
Team Rubicon and the Baptist Response Group will be working to assist in debris
collection and removal.
If residents have homeowners insurance, they should contact their agent as they may
have a rider on their insurance policy to help with costs for debris removal.
Homeowner’s policies may also have provisions for temporary shelter costs and
replacement of clothing and household items. Car owners should also contact their
insurance companies if their cars are damaged or destroyed for instructions about what
they should do to secure transportation.
Persons and business that want to provide food in the affected areas of
Taylorville must contact Mickie Ehrhardt (Logistics Section Chief) 217 825
8846 before bringing meals to the Taylorville area.
Food safety information is available from the Christian County Health Department.
http://www.christiancountyhealth.net/
Green Hyundai will provide a free loaner vehicle to citizens that have had their vehicles
damaged or destroyed by the storm. Citizens should contact Mr. Mike Quimby ay Green
Hyundai. Nine cars have been given to Taylorville residents to use thus far!
State Agencies To Participate in Multi-Agency Resource Center This
Weekend in Taylorville
Center in Taylorville to offer disaster information, assistance for tornado survivors
A Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) is open in Taylorville today and Saturday.
The MARC is a one-stop-shop for tornado survivors to access disaster related relief
services and information. The MARC brings together representatives from more than a
dozen local and state agencies and essential support organizations.
Christian County residents affected by the December 1 tornadoes are encouraged to visit
the MARC at Taylorville Christian Church, 1124 N Webster Street. The MARC will be
open on Friday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 8
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Proof of address is requested.
Upon arrival at the MARC, residents will be paired with a Service Ambassador who can
help the residents navigate the MARC and ensure their needs are addressed. The
American Red Cross will provide client casework, information and referrals.
Citizens who were affected by the Tornado from anywhere in Christian
County should visit the MARC to visit with a variety of State and local
agencies who may be able to provide assistance. Even if the residents have
made contact with their insurance company, they should still visit the
MARC.
Residents from adjacent counties that have damage from the tornado may come to the
MARC as well.
If residents need assistance or have questions about the MARC, Please call
1-800 RED CROSS.
If residents need a ride to the MARC, they should call CIPT Rides at 1-855-
755-2478

Volunteer Reception Center (VRC)

The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) will be open now through Sunday, December 9th
from 9am to 3pm at the Taylorville Township Building, 1620 W. Spresser St, Taylorville.
This location is near the Christian County Fairgrounds and volunteers are asked not to go
to the Christian County Fairgrounds to volunteer.
The VRC will open at 7:30 AM on Saturday, December 8, and individuals looking for a
full-day, physical assignment should present before 9:00 AM to be assigned.
Individuals coming to perform manual labor tasks should come prepared with personal
protective equipment when possible. This includes work boots, gloves, and eye protection.
Please be dressed for the weather!
Individuals over the age of 18 with proper photo identification will be accepted. This
includes shifts ranging from half a day to multiple days in length.
Those looking for non-labor, indoor, or clerical tasks will be sorted and assigned to shifts
on Friday or Saturday.
For up-to-date pre-recorded volunteer information, please call 217-370-3891; this
messaging will be updated accordingly as local volunteer needs change.
Disaster relief supplies are available at the Taylorville City Warehouse
(former Gagne Distributing Building) 1617 West Spresser.
Items such as emergency food, personal hygiene, infant care, water, cleaning supplies,
basic clothing, bedding, tarps, gloves, shovels, rakes, brooms, garbage bags and other
additional basic need items are available for those affected by the tornados in Christian
County

The items are available at the city owned warehouse, which used to be the Gagne
Warehouse a 1617 W Spresser St, Taylorville, IL across from the Christian County
Fairgrounds.

The facility will be open from 8:00 to 6:00pm.

There is a need for shovels, rakes and plastic trash barrels at the 1617 West
Spresser

Damage Assessment:
Christian County Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Illinois
Emergency Services Management Association and the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency is conduction damage assessment and the assessment of homes and businesses
is ongoing.
Additional Information:
Monetary Donations are preferred!!!! Missions for Taylorville is the official
monetary donations site. The site is maintained through US bank. The
address for donations is: Missions for Taylorville c/o City Hall. 115 North
Main Street. Taylorville, Illinois 62568.
Food service providers should contact Mickie Ehrhardt (Logistics Section
Chief) 217 825 8846 before bringing meals to the Taylorville responders.
Any other donations (including clothing) are discouraged at this time!!!
The official Facebook Page for information about the response and recovery activities is:
Christian County Severe Weather and Disaster Recovery
Mayor Barry signed a proclamation of Disaster for Taylorville on December 1, 2018. This
declaration is effective for 7 days.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available
For additional information please contact:
Joe Gasparich Public Information Officer (217) 825 7955 or Mike Crews, Christian
County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator