BELLEFONATINE, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine issued a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to 11 counties impacted by the severe weather conditions. He's ordering all state departments to lend their services to assist the regions in recovery support.

Bellefontaine First Church of God in Logan County is serving as an emergency shelter with the American Red Cross. Members of the church said they are hoping to assist families in any way possible, and pray for the people impacted in tough times. 

"We all are alive and thankful and blessed to be here," said Jessica Triplett, resident of Indian Lake. "Because I didn't think we were going to make it out of that tornado." 

Triplett and her family are survivors from the severe tornadoes that swept through the Indian Lake region. They sought shelter in cemented garage during the heavy storms to keep safe. She said her heart fluttered and she immediately went into survival mode. 

"We could hear the actual tree being ripped up from the ground and thrown on top of our trailer and crashing through it," said Triplett. "No calls would really go through. We finally got through to 911, but they couldn't get back to us because all the roads were blocked. There was debris everywhere. We literally had to sit in our vehicle from about eight to almost one in the morning waiting to be able to leave the actual island, and they (police) had to get bulldozers in to get us off the island." 

Triplett’s family has been seeking shelter since Friday at a nearby church serving as an emergency shelter through the American Red Cross. 

"We are so blessed to have this shelter," Triplett said. "This community has been wonderful. They have come together. They've done all they can to help." 

"We just want to get out and let our community know that God loves them," said Doug Reprogel, a spiritual leader at Bellefontaine First Church of God. "And, that we love them and that we're here for them, and that we're willing to help."

The church is collecting basic necessities to help families impacted get back up on their feet. Reprogel said their doors will remain open to anyone in need because that's what neighbors should do. He believes that when a person loses everything, they need to have a place to call a safe haven.

"We are allowing people to come here and to shelter here at our church during this crisis," said Reprogel. "As long as they need it, and trying to just work and help them in any way that we can."