Residents across Champaign County continue to recover from the damage left behind by yesterday’s storms, with emergency crews, utility workers and community members working together throughout the county.
The Champaign County Emergency Management Agency is thanking residents for their assistance in the aftermath of the storms, recognizing both the county’s emergency services partners and citizens who have stepped up to help their neighbors with cleanup and recovery.
The agency says the community’s response is a true testament to what makes Champaign County an amazing place to live. It continues to evaluate the effects of the storms and will share information and data gathered with the entities and partners it has been working with.
The agency is also reminding residents to stay safe as cleanup and recovery efforts continue, while looking ahead to tomorrow’s Champaign County Fair.
That same spirit of community support is reflected in an open letter from Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb, who is thanking residents and the emergency personnel, public works crews, and utility workers continuing to respond following yesterday’s severe weather.
To the residents of Urbana and the communities we serve:
Yesterday, our area experienced a significant weather event that continues to affect many of our neighbors.
While the storm has passed, our response is far from over. The City of Urbana and its divisions remain actively engaged in cleanup and restoration efforts, while utility crews continue working to restore power and essential services throughout our community.
Over the past 24 hours, B Shift of The Urbana Fire Division responded to more than 100 calls for service. I want to personally thank our mutual aid fire and EMS partners, the Urbana Police Division, and our Public Works crews for their tireless efforts to help our community recover and get back up and operating. I also want to recognize the utility crews who continue to work long hours throughout the area to restore power and other essential services.
As cleanup and restoration efforts continue, please use caution around downed trees and power lines, and avoid unnecessary travel when possible. Please remember that this remains an active event for our community, and it will take time to fully restore everything.
Most importantly, I want to thank you-our community.
As I worked alongside our crews yesterday, I saw time after time the very best of Urbana. Neighbors were helping neighbor’s clear debris, checking on one another, and assisting those who needed help with their immediate needs. That willingness to come together and help one another is what makes our community so special.
Urbana is very fortunate to have such a strong and caring community. Your patience, cooperation, and willingness to help each other make a tremendous difference, especially during difficult circumstances like these.
On behalf of every member of The Urbana Fire Division, thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we work through this event together.
Please stay safe, look out for your neighbors, and know that we will continue to be here for you.
— Dean Ortlieb, Urbana Fire Chief
