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Emergency

Who to Call

911 vs. Non-Emergency

Call 9-1-1 to report any emergency involving police, fire, or medical assistance. If you need immediate help, don’t hesitate—call as soon as you believe assistance is needed. 

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Examples of emergencies include: 

  • Motor vehicle accidents  

  • Someone choking  

  • Fires (home, vehicle, woods, or other structures)  

  • Crimes in progress (such as robbery or assault)  

  • Dangerous situations (gas leaks, downed power lines, etc.)  

  • Drowning incidents  

  • Medical emergencies  

  • Tornadoes or other severe weather threats  

 

Any life-threatening situation warrants a call to 9-1-1. 

 

Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations. Misuse of 9-1-1 can delay help for someone experiencing a true emergency. 

 

  • Examples of non-emergency calls include: 

  • Asking for directions or general information  

  • Reporting utility outages (water, electricity, etc.)  

  • Checking the status of a police report  

  • Requesting weather updates  

  • Asking about local events (such as Trick-or-Treat/Beggar’s Night)  

 

For non-emergencies, please use the appropriate non-emergency phone numbers. 

How To Receive Alerts

​Champaign County has instituted the Everbridge Emergency Notification System - an ultra high-speed telephone communication service for emergency notifications. This system allows us to telephone all or targeted areas of Champaign County in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. Examples include: evacuation notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices, and missing child reports. Simply click on the Everbridge graphic to the right to submit your contact information to the notification database.

Evacuation Guidance

Evacuations may be necessary during emergencies such as severe weather, fires, or hazardous materials incidents. Acting quickly and following guidance from officials helps keep you and your family safe. 

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Be Prepared 

  • Have a plan for where you will go  

  • Prepare a go-bag (medications, documents, clothing, food, water)  

  • Stay informed with alerts and weather updates  

  • Plan for pets and keep your vehicle fueled  

 

When an Evacuation is Ordered 

  • Leave immediately—do not delay  

  • Follow designated routes and instructions from officials  

  • Take essential items only  

  • Check on neighbors if you can do so safely  

  • Secure your home if time allows  

 

During Evacuation 

  • Stay calm and drive safely  

  • Avoid hazards like flooded roads or downed power lines  

  • Follow directions from emergency personnel  

  • Stay updated through local alerts  

 

After You Leave 

  • Do not return until officials say it is safe  

  • Monitor Champaign County EMA communications for updates  

 

Remember 

Be prepared. Act quickly. Follow instructions. 

Shelter Procedures

Shelter-in-place means staying inside a safe location—usually your home, workplace, or school—to protect yourself from a hazard outside. This may be used during incidents such as hazardous material releases, severe weather, or law enforcement emergencies. 

 

When to Shelter in Place 

Follow shelter-in-place guidance when directed by local officials or if conditions outside are unsafe, including: 

  • Hazardous material incidents (chemical spills, gas releases)  

  • Severe weather (tornado warnings, extreme storms)  

  • Law enforcement incidents or public safety threats  

 

How to Shelter in Place 

  • Go indoors immediately and bring others inside  

  • Close and lock all doors and windows  

  • Turn off fans, heating, and air conditioning systems if instructed  

  • Move to an interior room, away from windows  

  • Use a room with few or no windows if possible  

  • Monitor local alerts and instructions  

 

Additional Safety Tips 

  • Have a phone, charger, and emergency supplies nearby  

  • Use a weather radio or trusted local sources for updates  

  • Avoid using unnecessary ventilation or opening doors  

  • Do not leave your location until officials say it is safe  

 

If You Are in a Vehicle 

  • Close windows and vents  

  • Turn off outside air intake if possible  

  • Seek a safe indoor location as soon as possible  

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Remember 

Stay inside. Stay informed. Stay safe. 

Local Emergency Support

Shelter Locations

  • Warming Shelter: Caring Kitchen 

  • Storm Shelter: Monitor local / social media and ema channels 

 

Food & Assistance Resources

  • Caring Kitchen

 

Local Emergency Contacts

  • Have a phone, charger, and emergency supplies nearby  

  • Use a weather radio or trusted local sources for updates  

  • Avoid using unnecessary ventilation or opening doors  

  • Do not leave your location until officials say it is safe  

 

If You Are in a Vehicle 

  • Close windows and vents  

  • Turn off outside air intake if possible  

  • Seek a safe indoor location as soon as possible  

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Remember 

Stay inside. Stay informed. Stay safe. 

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