In An Emergency


The Role of McDonough County Health Department

  • The McDonough County Health Department works cooperatively with local and state agencies to coordinate local response to a bioterrorism event. Preventing such an event is the job of law enforcement – local, state, and The FBI, and other law enforcement agencies.
  • If an incident should occur, the McDonough County Health Department, together with other local, state, and federal emergency responder agencies have plans in place to minimize the risk and to assist treating those who may become ill.
  • The Illinois Department of Public Health, working closely with the McDonough County Health Department and other local health departments, hospitals, laboratories, law enforcements, medical communities, and other state and federal agencies, has implemented an enhanced surveillance system that is constantly on guard for unusual clusters of disease. If a cluster is detected, public health is prepared to move quickly to identify the disease and its possible source. Public health information, treatment options and other advice would be provided to the public through the news media.
  • The McDonough County Health Department has a plan in place for mass immunizations and/or distribution of medications to ensure protection of persons exposed to biological agents.

If you believe that you have been exposed to a biological or chemical agent, or if you believe an intentional biological threat will occur, or is occurring, please contact:

McDonough County Sheriff’s office, Phone: 309-833-2323

-AND/OR-

McDonough County Health Department, Phone: 309-837-9951 ext.2050

Emergency Response Information:

To report power outages, downed lines, or suspected gas leaks contact your service provider.

To file a claim for food loss due to extended service interruptions for Ameren Illinois customers:  click here

To check outage information with Ameren:  click here

To check outage information with McDonough Power Coop:  click here

For guidance on safe generator operation:  click here

For guidance on food safety after a power outage:  click here

For tips on infant feeding after and during a power outage:  click here

For up to date road conditions:  click here

For guidance on winter weather preparedness:  click here

The McDonough County Health Department will provide time sensitive information regarding weather alerts, cooling centers, heating centers, food pantries, emergency shelters and charging centers via their social media pages.  The pages are available regardless of whether or not you have an account with the social media platform.

MCHD Facebook