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
- National Weather Service Skywarn Storm Spotter Basic – March 5th, 2026 at 6:00 PM – Registration
- National Weather Service Skywarn Elite Spotter Training – April 20th, 2026 at 6:00 PM – Registration
- 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