(KFVS) – Several Heartland communities are opening their FEMA buildings or storm shelters ahead of expected severe weather on Monday, April 27.
We issued a First Alert Action Day today due to the threat of severe weather, including tornadoes. Portions of the Heartland have been upgraded to a threat level 4 out of 5 for severe storms. This affects most of southeast Missouri and the western counties of southern Illinois. The rest of the Heartland remains under a threat level 3.
If you’re a local official and you don’t see your community shelter, can email us at [email protected] to add it to the list.
Missouri
According to the Portageville Police Department, the FEMA building will be available to the public as a shelter in the event of severe weather. However, there are some shelter guidelines guests must follow. Click here for more information.
According to East Prairie R-II Schools, if the FEMA building is opened, there are some shelter guidelines they must follow. Click here for more information.
According to the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department, the storm shelter at Campbell Elementary School, rear student parking lot, will open if needed.
According to the Steele Police Department, the safe room at East Elementary School will be available if it is needed.
According to the Scott City Police Department, the FEMA building at 3000 Main Street will be opened at 4:30 p.m. until it is no longer needed (to be determined by storms). No pets, nor smoking is allowed in the building.
According to the city of Jackson, the Jackson Civic Center safe room will open for the duration of any tornado watch or warning in Jackson. They noted that per FEMA guidelines, pets are not allowed.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, the following storm shelters will be opening as needed: Williamsville FEMA shelter at Williamsville Elementary, Greenville FEMA shelter at Greenville Elementary and Piedmont FEMA shelter at Clearwater Elementary.
According to the St. Francois County EMA, the following shelters are open to the community: Truman Learning Center at Farmington School, West County Elementary School, Central High School weight room. Click here for more details.
According to the Dixon Police Department, the sole storm shelter available is now the Assembly of God church at W. 4th St. (C Highway). The church will open its doors for shelter at 2 p.m.
The FEMA building in Ripley County will be opened to the public at 4 p.m. Per FEMA rule, no pets, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or vapes are allowed.
According to the Doniphan R-I School District, the FEMA building at Doniphan Intermediate School, 904 Elm Street, will be open to the public if a tornado warning is issued for the area.
Illinois
According to the Pulaski County EMA, there are no designated storm shelters in the county, but the Ohio Chapel Church, east of Grand Chain, and the First Baptist Church on High Street in Mound City have made their facilities available to anyone in need.
According to the Carbondale Fire Department, the city of Carbondale has partnered with Southern Illinois University to open a storm shelter at Trueblood Hall, which is located at 1175 S. Washington Street. Parking is available on the west side of the building, and the entrance is on the lower level on the southeast side of the building. The shelter will be open from 5 p.m. until the severe weather event has passed.
According to the Hamilton County EMA, the county courthouse basement has been opened as a storm shelter. No pets will be allowed. It is located at 100 S. Jackson St. in McLeansboro.
According to the city of Herrin, the Herrin First Baptist Church at 1500 S. 13th St. will open its lower level for those seeking shelter.
According to the Massac County EMA, the county courthouse will be opening at 8 p.m. They ask that you enter through the basement door on the west side of the building.
Kentucky
According to the Calloway County EMA, Racer Arena, located on the Murray State University campus (14th Street between Olive and Payne Streets), will be open at 8 p.m. as a storm shelter for those who need it.
According to the Ballard County EMA, storm shelters will be open if a tornado warning is issued. These include: Bandana Storm Shelter on Stevens Street, St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 624 Broadway St. in LaCenter, Shady Grove Baptist Church at 2251 Blandville Rd. in Wickliffe/Blandville and Wickliffe Christian Church at 326 4th St. in Wickliffe.
The Arcadia United Methodist Church will open around 4 p.m. on Monday so anyone needing to can use its basement. Arcadia UMC is located at 261 Lone Oak Road, across from Paducah Middle School. You will need to bring your ID and you will need to sign in. No smoking or vaping allowed. They suggest you bring the following for your comfort: flashlight, pillow and blanket, medications, Games or puzzles, snacks, water, phone charges, earbuds, important documents you may need. Animals will need to be in kennels or carriers, and you need to bring up-to-date vaccination records. You can call 270-331-1661 for information.
Tennessee
You can check online here to find storm shelter information in your area.
According to the Weakley County EMA, shelters will be open in Carroll County at Bethel Library (105 Campus Drive in McKenzie) and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office (200 Norandal Drive in Huntingdon). There will also be shelters open in Henry County at the WG Rhea School (115 S. Wilson St. in Paris), Inman School (400 Harrison St. in Paris), Harrelson School (143 Puryear County Club Rd. in Puryear), Henry School (937 Pioneer Rd. in Henry) and the shelters behind Cottage Grove City Hall (7030 Main St. in Cottage Grove).
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