ROBINSON, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Several local and state agencies will have representatives in Robinson on Saturday to help offer assistance to people affected by last week’s tornado.
Crawford County emergency management coordinator Brad Midgett said they have worked alongside the American Red Cross to organize a multi-agency resource center from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Robinson Community Center.
“There are going to be several agencies from the state here, Department of Human Services, Department of Agriculture, as well as local support agencies that will be here, for the citizens that were directly affected by the event that happened on Friday,” he said. “We’re strongly encouraging citizens to show up to get a lot of information about the resources that are available to them.”
Officials are still working on many elements of recovery, including dealing with power outages, road closures, and flooding caused by storms Tuesday night into Wednesday. Crawford County Sheriff Bill Rutan said they had several road closures around the county as cleanup efforts continued.
“Our main concern is at this point we’re still trying to get things cleaned up. There’s a lot of debris that we’re working on. We just ask the residents and anybody else that happens to be coming through to be cautious and mindful of the construction crews,” he said.
While there is still a long road ahead, Midgett said he was pleased with how collaboration with local and state groups had gone to this point.
“All the county agencies and the local government bodies are all working extremely well together. I want to point out how still overwhelmed I am by the amount of volunteers that we’ve had. Neighbors helping neighbors,” he said.
Rutan said the outpour of support they’ve received has been heartwarming.
“All the water and supplies and food that’s been donated from different people and organizations has just been overwhelming and amazing how well everybody has come together. I couldn’t ask for a better response from everybody in the community to what has happened,” Rutan said.
Midgett said those in need of assistance can continue to contact the EMA office for help.
