Franklin County Emergency Operations Center
The Franklin County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is located at 403 E. Main Street, Benton, Illinois and is home to the Office of Emergency Management & Communications. This location designed to support Franklin County’s emergency response, continuity and crisis communications activities. Staff & organizational representatives coordinate together at the EOC to manage preparations for an impending event or manage the response to an ongoing incident. By gathering the decision makers together and supplying them with the most current information, better decisions can be made.
Emergency Operations Center Activity
Update Time: 1/26/2026 – 13:00 PM
State of Emergency Lifted
Effective immediately, the State of Emergency loo issued for Franklin County in response to Winter Storm Fern has been lifted. While conditions have improved and emergency operations have stabilized, hazardous conditions remain. Snow-and ice-covered roadways, drifting, and reduced visibility will continue to affect travel, particularly on rural and less-traveled roads. Extremely cold temperatures also persist, increasing the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and vehicle-related issues.Residents are urged to use caution when traveling, limit outdoor exposure when possible, and remain alert to changing conditions.
Kyle Bacon, Sheriff
Ryan M. Buckingham, OEMC Director
Update Time: 1/25/2026 – 02:00 AM
State of Emergency Issued by jointly by OEMC Director Ryan M. Buckingham & Sheriff Kyle Bacon.
Update Time: 1/24/2026 – 11:00 PM
The Franklin County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to monitor Winter Storm Fern. Staff from the Division of Emergency Management are actively monitoring weather conditions, coordinating with public safety and community partners, and maintaining situational awareness to support response operations as needed. Snowfall measuring 5.5 to 6 inches of snow at the EOC. Division of Communications operations are ongoing without an issues. One weather related injury reported.
Update Time: 1/23/2026 – 11:39 AM.
Check here for updates concerning Winter Storm Fern. Personnel have concluded a briefing with the National Weather Service that was scheduled for 11:00 AM today. The OEMC has pushed out preparedness information via social media for the past week and conducted media interviews when requested. Division of Emergency Management personnel are currently conducting preparedness activities and are anticipating a partial activation of the Franklin County Emergency Operations Center. Additional staffing has been scheduled for the OEMC Communications Center to increase readiness for any additional calls for service. A countywide public safety conference call is scheduled for 13:00 hours today. Nothing further to report at this time.
1/26/2026 – 13:00 PM
State of Emergency Lifted
Effective immediately, the State of Emergency issued for Franklin County in response to Winter Storm Fern has been lifted. While conditions have improved and emergency operations have stabilized, hazardous conditions remain. Snow-and ice-covered roadways, drifting, and reduced visibility will continue to affect travel, particularly on rural and less-traveled roads. Extremely cold temperatures also persist, increasing the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and vehicle-related issues.Residents are urged to use caution when traveling, limit outdoor exposure when possible, and remain alert to changing conditions.
Kyle Bacon, Sheriff
Ryan M. Buckingham, OEMC Director
1/25/2026 – 02:00 AM
State of Emergency | Winter Storm Fern
A State of Emergency is now in effect for Franklin County, Illinois, due to heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures associated with Winter Storm Fern. These conditions are creating extremely dangerous travel conditions and significantly increasing the risk of cold related injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Residents are strongly urged to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors when possible, and take precautions to prevent injury. Emergency response times may be delayed due to weather and road conditions; residents should plan accordingly and call 9-1-1 only for true emergencies.
Ensure you have adequate food, water, medications, and heating supplies, and use alternative heating sources safely. Check on elderly neighbors, individuals with medical needs, and others who may require assistance. The Franklin County Office of Emergency Management & Communications, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and local public safety officials continue to monitor conditions and coordinate response efforts. Residents should continue to monitor Franklin County OEMC and Sheriff’s Office communications for updates and emergency information.
Sheriff Kyle Bacon
OEMC Director Ryan M. Buckingham
- National Weather Service Skywarn Storm Spotter Basic – March 5th, 2026 at 6:00 PM – Register online.
- FEMA Basic Academy – Public Information Officer Program – April 28, 29, 30th, 2026 – Register at: IEMA-OHS Training
Local Resources
Christopher
Christopher Civic Center
Address: 208 N. Thomas Street, Christopher, Illinois 62822
Contact: Business hours: Mayors Office @ 618-724-7648
After hours: Franklin County OEMC Communications @ 618-439-4EOC
Hours of Availability: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Pet Friendly: No
Royalton
Location: Community Building
Address: 311 S. Main Street, Royalton, Illinois 62983
Contact: Mayor Christy Powers @ 618-922-6000
Hours of Availability: As needed
Pet Friendly: No
Sesser
Location: City Hall (side door)
Address: 302 W. Franklin Avenue
Contact: Business Hours: City Hall @ 618-625-3611
After hours: Franklin County OEMC Communications @ 618-439-4EOC (4362)
Hours of Availability: As needed
Pet Friendly: Yes
Thompsonville
Thompsonville First Baptist Church
Address: 21238 Shawneetown Road, Thompsonville, Illinois, 62890
Contact: Business Office @ 618-627-2228
Hours of Availability: Normal business hours and as needed. After hours contact: Larry Miller @ 618-923-0112.
Pet Friendly: No
West City
Take Action Today – Overnight Services Available
Address: 905 W. Washington Street, West City, Illinois 62812
Contact: 618-212-3171
Hours of Availability: 8PM to 8AM – 7 Days A Week – Doors close at 11PM.
After 11PM you must be brought in by a public safety agency.
Pet Friendly: No
West City Police Department
Address: 307 S. Central Street, West City, Illinois 62812
Contact: 618-435-6112
Hours of Availability: As needed
Pet Friendly: No
West Frankfort
West Frankfort Police Department Lobby
Address: 201 E. Nolen Street, West Frankfort, Illinois
Contact: WFPD Dispatch @ 618-937-3502
Hours of Availability: 8a-5p during cold weather events
Pet Friendly: No
Zeigler
Zeigler City Hall
Address: 301 Church Street
Contact: Business hours: 618-596-6475, After hours: Franklin County OEMC Communications Center @ 618-439-4362
Hours of Availability: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm
Pet Friendly: No
Additional Warming Locations in Illinois:
Damage Assessment & Recovery
Assessing the extent of damage is a critical first step in the recovery process. If your home or business within Franklin County has sustained damage due to an emergency, please complete our online damage assessment form.
Tips for Documenting Disaster Damage for Your Insurance Company
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Ensure personal safety first. Do not enter damaged structures until they have been deemed safe by local authorities or utility providers.
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Document all damage thoroughly. Take clear photographs and videos of all affected areas, including structural damage, interior rooms, appliances, vehicles, and personal property. Capture multiple angles and wide shots as well as close-ups.
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Do not discard damaged items prematurely. Keep damaged property until your insurance company has inspected it, unless disposal is required for health or safety reasons.
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Create a detailed inventory. List all damaged or destroyed items, including descriptions, estimated value, purchase dates, and receipts if available.
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Record temporary repairs. Make only necessary temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and keep receipts for materials and labor.
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Document damage immediately and continuously. Take photos before cleanup begins and continue documenting throughout the recovery process.
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Maintain written records. Keep notes of all communications with your insurance company, including claim numbers, adjuster names, dates, and summaries of conversations.
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Preserve official notices. Retain any evacuation orders, emergency notifications, or inspection reports issued by local authorities, as they may be required to support your claim.
Crosswalk Community Action Agency
Crosswalk Community Action Agency – Emergency Service Grants
SNAP Recipients – Replacing Food Destroyed in a Disaster or Due to a Power Outage
Illinois Department of Human Services – Disaster Food Replacement Procedure