Kankakee, Illinois – Emergency response efforts continued Tuesday night after a destructive tornado struck the Kankakee area, prompting a shelter opening, state response, and warnings about storm-related scams.
According to the American Red Cross, an emergency shelter has opened at Kankakee Community College, 100 College Drive, to support residents affected by the storm.
The shelter offers a safe place to stay, meals, charging stations, and access to community resources, and pets in kennels are also welcome, according to officials.
State officials are also monitoring the situation. In a statement posted online Tuesday night, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he has been briefed on the tornado damage in the Kankakee area.
“My administration including IEMA are in contact with local officials to offer our full support,” Pritzker said. “Keeping in our thoughts all Illinoisans impacted by the severe weather — we’ll be here to help them recover.”
Meanwhile, Kankakee County officials are warning residents about storm repair scams targeting neighborhoods affected by tornado damage.
County leaders say residents should be cautious of unsolicited contractors offering repair work, noting that some individuals attempt to take advantage of homeowners after disasters.
Officials advise residents to verify that contractors are properly licensed before agreeing to repairs.
Residents with concerns about contractors can contact the Kankakee County Planning Department at (815) 937-2940 or the City of Kankakee Code Department at (815) 936-7390 to confirm credentials.
Local officials say damage assessments and recovery efforts will continue as emergency crews work across impacted areas.
