Macon County Emergency Management Agency

10/15/2026

💙 What a whirlwind week it has been! 💙

Monday was our Inaugural Project SAFER Spectrum Safety Experience! It is in the books! BUT THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!
WARNING LONG POST! If you have pics please share them here. There just wasn't enough of me, I should have had a photographer! Next time...I have added to my lessons learned!

Monday’s event was ambitious, to say the least! Bringing first responders, the autism community, caregivers, supporters, and resource providers together for a full day of training, education, and connection was a BIG undertaking. WHEW! I would definitely call it a success!

MORNING: RESPONDING TO AUTISM

We kicked off the day by training 58 participants on responding to autism! Topics included recognizing when someone may be on the autism spectrum, understanding communication challenges and barriers, and learning practical strategies and tools to improve interactions between first responders and individuals on the spectrum.

The goal? Better understanding, improved communication, and safer, more positive outcomes for everyone involved.

We were able to begin distribution of Resource Bags to response agencies. Bags were funded and made possible by the Warrensburg Firemen's Association. These bags contain tools to assist responders with interactions with those on the spectrum during crisis situations.

AFTERNOON: COMMUNITY CONNECTION & BLUE ENVELOPE EXPERIENCE

The afternoon brought together individuals on the spectrum, caregivers, community members, and service providers. We shared program information, distributed Autism Alert stickers for homes and vehicles, and helped individuals take an important step toward self-advocacy. We trained on Blue Envelopes with responders and sent envelopes home with individuals to provide an immediately usable resource.

One of the highlights was creating 25 personalized “I Am on the Spectrum” identification cards! These cards provide the individual's name, contact information, emergency contacts, information about how they may respond in challenging situations, and practical strategies to help responders communicate and interact with them more effectively. These are more than cards. They are tools that can help bridge communication gaps when someone needs help most. Thank you to the Macon County Mental Health Board for your generous donation which made the printer, software & signage possible.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY!

I cannot thank the following organizations enough for their support, participation, and commitment to making this initiative a success:

💙 Stefan Bjes – Blue Line Spectrum Safety
💙 Kathy Yocum – Autism Acceptance Cumberland County
💙 Warrensburg Fire Department
💙 Warrensburg Police Department
💙 Harristown Fire Department
💙 Abbott Ambulance
💙 Decatur Fire Department
💙 Decatur Police Department
💙 Macon County Sheriff's Office
💙 A Path Forward
💙 Paw Print Ministries
💙 Macon Resources, Inc. (MRI)
💙 American Red Cross (ARC)
💙 Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center (CIRDC)
💙 K9 Sandy and Chris Ware

A special thank-you to Starla Street, Tanya Vaughn, Justin Root, and Sgt. Atkins with the Macon County Sheriff's Office for your contributions and support!

And Kathy Yocum and Autism Acceptance Cumberland County…I simply cannot thank you enough. Without your generosity in providing the training and Blue Envelopes, this incredible opportunity would not have happened. Your willingness to share your knowledge and resources will make a lasting impact in our community.

Through Project SAFER Spectrum (Sensory Awareness for Emergency Response), we are working to build understanding, strengthen partnerships, equip responders, and create better outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum and those who support them.

We have more resources, programming, and events in the works, so stay tuned!

Because when we bring our communities together, share knowledge, and lead with understanding, we can make a difference...one interaction at a time.

Project SAFER Spectrum: Building understanding. Improving interactions. Strengthening response.



I am truly humbled by the outpouring of love, compassion, and support for our friends on the autism spectrum. The willingness of our community to come together, learn, listen, and make a difference is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when we lead with understanding and kindness.

Different, NOT Less!

Every individual deserves to be understood, respected, and protected. By building awareness, breaking down communication barriers, and equipping our first responders with the knowledge and tools they need, we can create safer, more inclusive interactions for everyone.

This is what Project SAFER Spectrum is all about!

UNDERSTAND. RESPECT. PROTECT.

Thank you to everyone who believes in this mission and is helping us make a difference, one person, one interaction, and one community at a time.

And we're just getting started!

10/15/2026

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Today, Macon County EMA had the pleasure of welcoming the Decatur Leadership Institute to share our mission of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation! What a terrific and engaging group of professionals! I thoroughly enjoyed a chance to share the mission!

During our time together, we discussed practical steps everyone can take to be better prepared for emergencies, including:

Severe weather preparedness and knowing multiple ways to receive alerts and warnings
Understanding your insurance coverage before disaster strikes
Knowing how to safely shut off utilities, including electricity at the breaker panel, water, and gas, if your home is impacted

Learning basic first aid, CPR, and Stop the Bleed techniques

These are more than just preparedness tips. They are lifesaving skills that reinforce an important message:

YOU ARE THE HELP UNTIL HELP ARRIVES!

I also had the opportunity to highlight several important initiatives that support our community, including the Decatur Area Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, Dementia Friendly initiatives, and Project SAFER Spectrum, which promotes awareness, education, and improved interactions between first responders and individuals on the autism spectrum.

One of the greatest benefits of opportunities like this is the chance to connect with engaged professionals, share knowledge, and build new partnerships that strengthen our community's resilience.

A sincere thank-you to the Decatur Chamber of Commerce for inviting us to participate and to the Decatur Leadership Institute for being such an engaging group!

I hope everyone left with valuable information they can put into practice at home, at work, and throughout our community. I look forward to welcoming your groups back to Macon County EMA in the future!

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more resilient community!

**Photo borrowed from MRI as I neglected to capture the moment :(

10/12/2026

10/12/26

Project SAFER Spectrum Responder Training

Presented by Stefan Bjes, Blue Line Spectrum Safety

58 professionals learning to improve outcomes. I am so thankful to have such a turnout!

I am hopeful to see the public take advantage of the afternoon activity!

10/12/2026

The day has arrived!

Come join us 1230-4 pm
RCC Shilling Center
Free, Everyone Welcome

10/11/2026

Diesel Ag Usage Relief

Important Guidelines

10/09/2026

💙 IT’S HERE! 💙
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 12:30-4:00 PM
Richland Community College, Shilling Center

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC…EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Come learn about the Blue Envelope Initiative and how we can create safer, more successful interactions between first responders and community members on the autism spectrum and their families, caregivers and support networks.

🚔 MEET THE RESPONDERS
🚒 TOUCH A TRUCK
🚑 Police • Fire • EMS
💙 Learn about the Blue Envelope Initiative
📋 Pick up your own Blue Envelope
🤝 Talk with local first responders and ask questions

🐾 SPECIAL GUESTS!

🐕 Maroa Police Department will have K9 Sandy in attendance. Sandy is an ISP-licensed therapy dog and is sure to be a favorite!

🐕 Paw Print Ministries will be making an appearance with their canine comfort dogs!

📚 LOCAL RESOURCE PROVIDERS will have information tables featuring resources and services available to individuals, families and caregivers.

We’ll also have several new Project SAFER Spectrum resources available:

🚨 AUTISM ALERT STICKERS
Place one on your vehicle or home to alert responders that someone inside may communicate, respond, or behave differently during an emergency.

💳 PERSONALIZED AUTISM INFORMATION CARDS
Custom cards can include a person’s name, emergency contact information and helpful information about how they may respond, communicate and what strategies may support a successful interaction.

Cards can be carried in a wallet, pocket, backpack or school bag; providing responders with important information when it may be difficult for the individual or caregiver to communicate.

💙 Our goal is simple:

To help our community, families, caregivers and first responders better understand one another and create safer, more positive interactions.

Come learn. Come ask questions. Come meet the responders.

Come touch a truck. Come be part of building a more inclusive and prepared community!

📅 Monday, October 12, 2026
⏰ 12:30–4:00 PM
📍 Richland Community College – Shilling Center
🎟️ FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE

Please SHARE this post! 💙

We hope to see you there!

10/07/2026

Two days packed with information, ideas, and inspiration! 🌪️📚

From severe weather and long-term care preparedness to why allergies and asthma are worsening, emergency communications, and the Kankakee tornado response…there was so much valuable information to take home and put into practice.

And then we wrapped it all up with America’s most famous storm chaser, Reed Timmer, and his message: “Never Stop Chasing.” 🌪️

I got tons of great information during this summit, but Reed’s session was something else! Not only science and meteorology, but shock and awe! 😂🌪️⚡

What a way to finish two incredible days of learning, networking, and bringing new ideas back to emergency management.

Great job, IDPH and University of Illinois! 👏👏

Never stop learning. Never stop preparing. And apparently… never stop chasing!

09/28/2026

Project SAFER Spectrum

Severe Weather Emergency Preparedness...

Why it is so important to prepare for Tornado Warnings when someone in your household is on the spectrum?

Let's look at the 2026 Tornado Facts for Macon County...this doesn't even factor in the tornado on December 28, 2025 that impacted Long Creek. Tornadoes can occur any time of year! Stay Prepared!

What to do if there is a Tornado Warning? 6 steps to make sheltering easier, less scary

What does a Sensory Emergency Kit look like, here we break down useful items to include in your kit! You may have other items that are needed, put what works for you & yours in the kit!

When to use a Sensory Emergency Kit? * Tornado Warnings, when seeking shelter! * Evacuation, grab it and go! * Going to the Emergency Room? Grab the kit!

Having familiar items can create a calmer environment and improve safety.

09/24/2026

My most sincere and deepest thanks. Response to Project SAFER Spectrum has truly humbled me. My fear was that it wouldn’t be well received, that “there she goes again, another training “. But this isn’t another training, this is an opportunity to serve a population that faces daily struggles and fears about their or their loved one’s safety and acceptance.

My cup runneth over! The need is real. If anyone had a question about the why, I am pretty sure the answer has come into the light.

284 shares of the Be a Voice, Call to Action post! Actually more since it is on 3 separate pages. Our Macon County response community is registering for the morning training…actually responders from many communities are coming, service providers are asking to have resource tables for the public session…so amazing!

Thank you from our spectrum community for every single share! You all make one great big voice!

This initiative is very close and personal to me. I understand the fears, I share those fears. When I saw that resource bag at the IESMA Summit, it screamed to me. It had to come home with me to figure out how to bring this support resource for our kiddos, their families and the response community.

Eeek, WE ARE DOING THIS THING❣️❣️❣️

Thank you Warrensburg Firemen’s Association for the funding for the resource bags and alert stickers

Thank you Autism Acceptance in Cumberland County for funding this training opportunity and making it possible to host Stefan Bjes and Blue Line Spectrum Safety and for the stock of customized Blue Envelopes to get that resource into the community.

Thank you Macon County Mental Health Board for funding a printing system to create wallet cards. I am hoping to have that figured out for the event. Another tool like the Blue Envelopes that can assist in alert responders to communication challenges.

Thank you Ms Ayn Owen’s for supporting the vision and assisting me with planning for the initiative..our work is not done!

Thank you Ms Starla Street for stepping up with planning and assisting with making this day come together.

09/19/2026

This! The reason!

Improving Outcomes

If you've seen our recent video involving an autistic child in crisis that has received
world wide attention, these are some of the officers who responded.

They deserve every bit of the recognition they are receiving, and SLCPD couldn't be
more proud of how they represented the values of our department.

If you were to ask these officers about the attention they've received, they'd likely tell
you they're simply doing the job they were trained to do. More importantly, they'd want
to share that recognition with the many other officers whose similar responses never
make the news.

The response people saw wasn't an isolated success. Last year alone, SLCPD officers
responded to approximately 174 calls involving individuals on the autism spectrum. That is nearly one every other day.

Every call is different. Every person is different. That's why SLCPD continues to invest in specialized training, partnerships like KultureCity, and resources that help officers
respond with patience, understanding, and care.

To the officers pictured here, and to the many others who put that same training into
practice every day, thank you. Your work matters, and our community is better because of it.

Check out the pinned comment to see what’s in our sensory kits.