January 31, 2022 –
A major winter storm is poised to move into Macon County and the City of Decatur beginning Tuesday evening into Thursday morning, potentially bringing freezing rain as well as an excess of 12 inches with locally higher amounts possible. .
Officials from the Emergency Operations Center remind residents to take the following precautions:
· If you lose power, call Ameren at 1-800 -755- 5000. Call this number even if you think your neighbor has called.
· Do not touch or move any downed line. Assume all downed lines are energized, dangerous and life threatening. Call Ameren to report downed lines.
· You are advised to avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary, and to have adequate supplies of food, medicines and other necessities on hand prior to the beginning of the heaviest storm activity. Motorists who must travel should also use extreme caution. Frigid temperatures and expected snowfall can create dangerous driving conditions that can include ice patches and blowing and drifting snow.
· Check on vulnerable neighbors especially if elderly or disabled.
· If any family member has a medical condition that requires use of electricity, make arrangements to have that person’s special needs met.
· Check on your animals and ensure their access to food, water and shelter is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.
· Charge your cell phones.
· Make sure you have working batteries in your radios and flashlights.
· If you have a generator check that it is connected correctly before use.
· Portable heaters should be used with extreme caution.
· Don’t cook or heat inside with charcoal or gas grills as this could put you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
· If the City of Decatur declares a snow emergency, cars must be removed from snow routes within six hours. These snow route streets are marked with red and white winter “no parking” signs.
· Visit the following websites for additional information:
· www.gettingaroundillinois.com
SHELTER/WARMING CENTERS
· Decatur Civic Center
1 Gary K Anderson Plaza
Decatur
Mon-Fri 7:30 am-5 pm
· Oasis Day Center
243 W Cerro Gordo St
Decatur
7 days week/365 days a year
They will do their best to remain open during this weather event. EMA will monitor status & update
· Good Samaritan Inn
920 N Union St
Decatur
Hot Meals daily 11:30 am-1 pm, 7 days a week
They will do their best to remain open during this weather event. EMA will monitor status & update
· Salvation Army, 137 S Church St, Decatur: Men’s overnight shelter
30 “cold cots”. Available through April dependent upon weather. Doors open at 5 pm, dinner at 6 pm, breakfast 6 am, closes at 7 am for the day.
217-428-4672
· Carriage House, Women’s Emergency Shelter
16 available beds
call first 217-422-2790.
