An effort is underway to assess the amount of property damage that has occurred from the weekend flooding. A QR code and a link to a form to fill out is available on the Salem Emergency Services Facebook or on the City of Salem and City of Centralia Websites. There are different forms for businesses and residents. For those who don’t have access to a computer or need help in filling out the form, assistance is available at both Salem and Centralia City Halls. So far, 97 surveys have been completed. 70 indicated minor damage, 14 major damage, and two had their homes destroyed. Once the scope of damage is determined, the Illinois Department of Emergency Services will decide if a federal declaration should be sought to provide recovery assistance.
A storm shelter remains open at the First Baptist Church on West Main in Salem. One person has utilized it so far, but others who initially stayed in motels may be moving there. Salem Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Andrew Strong says the Red Cross will keep the shelter open until everyone has other living arrangements available. Seventeen had indicated a need for shelter before the decision was made to open the facility.
