Disaster Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a denial of Governor Quinn's request for a federal disaster declaration for the Southern Illinois counties hit by the recent tornadoes and the governor's appeal has been denied. While I am very disappointed in this decision by FEMA, I will work with the entire Illinois Congressional declaration to see that other federal resources are made available to help individuals and communities rebuild. Meanwhile, recovery efforts continue in the affected areas and I have provided some resources below for those seeking assistance as well as for those interested in making donations to the relief effort.

Here is a joint press release from several members of the Illinois delegation on the denial of Governor Quinn's appeal.

Here is my press release after Governor Quinn filed the appeal of FEMA's denial of a federal disaster declaration.

Here is a joint press release from several members of the Illinois delegation after meeting with FEMA Administrator, Craig Fugate.

Here is my press release regarding the appeal of FEMA's denial of a federal disaster declaration.

Here is my press release regarding the federal disaster declaration.

Emergency Contact Information.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA)
Regional Office
Brian Brackemeyer - (618) 997-5847

Alexander County
Jerry Held - (618) 734-3452

Pulaski County
Ken Kerley - (618) 748-9437

Union County
Dana Pearson - (618) 697-0760

Williamson County
Steve Land - (618) 998-2123

Those Seeking Assistance

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has set up a Disaster Loan Outreach Center. Personnel will be available to explain the disaster loan program, answer questions and assist individuals with the application.

Workforce & Illinois Small Business Development Center
(Old National Bank, 2nd Floor)
Southeastern Illinois College
2 East Locust Street, Suite 200
Harrisburg, Illinois

SBA announcement
SBA fact sheet
SBA flyer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced that farmers in certain Illinois counties may be eligible for emergency physical loss loans. Anyone with questions should contact their county FSA office.

USDA disaster announcement March 12
USDA disaster announcement March 20

How to Help

If you would like information on how to help those who were affected by the storms, please contact the following organizations.

The American Red Cross Little Egypt Network
665 N. Airport Rd Suite 112
Murphysboro, IL 62966
www.redcrosslittleegypt.org.

American Red Cross
1-800-RED-CROSS
www.redcross.org.

The Southern Illinois Community Foundation has established a Harrisburg Disaster Relief Fund and will accept donations at all branches of the following banks:

• Bank of Marion
• Peoples’ National Bank
• Legence Bank
• Farmer’s State Bank
• First Southern Bank
• Bank of Carbondale
• Regions Bank
• Banterra Bank
• Old National Bank

For more information, call 618-997-3700 or visit www.sicf.org.

VNA-TIP health care has set up collection sites at branches throughout Southern Illinois. Donations can be made at the following branches:

• 8341 Express Drive, Suite B, Marion
• 702 Chestnut, Murphysboro
• 707 Walnut, Murphysboro
• 125 Leigh Drive, Anna
• 1107 W. Church Street, Benton
• 206 North Main Street, Pinckneyville

For additional information on locations and ways to help visit The Southern Illinoisan and WSIL TV Channel 3.

Disaster Preparedness

The severe storms, tornadoes and last year's flooding in our region have highlighted the need to stay current with emergency responses. Here are some useful links.

• FEMA.Gov has updates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Weather.Gov has the latest from the National Weather Service
• Ready Illinois provides information on storm response from the State of Illinois.
• Our region is served by three districts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the St. Louis District, the Memphis District and the Louisville District.

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