Betsy57, I'm about an hour, hour and 1/2 north of you in Dix, IL. Mine were still out in the first round of storms that hit. It was starting to get really dark on the next round and most of them were already up except for a few stragglers. I just managed to just get them in when the gust front came in and the warnings went off. I'm not sure if it is better or not to coop them, but I usually try.
I was so proud of my boys tonight. I thought I would have to chase them around and put them in their modified dog house that I am using until I figure out what I am going to do. They were all piled inside when I went to close the doors tonight. I think they are taking it better than I am at the moment. I took off work today to try and clear some debris. The weather was not cooperative. I went through 3 changes of clothes due to the constant rain/misting all day long. I'm glad no one stopped by, I looked like a drowned rat. Had to call off the chain saws since it was really starting to come down this afternoon. Won't be able to get anyone here till this weekend, I'm hoping the walls hold up till then. The coop was making noises this afternoon so I don't know how much longer that wall will hold out. I thought about trying to save the windows but it's not safe inside. Left a msg with the adjustor, haven't heard anything yet. I did get the rest of the fencing moved, so the rest of the chicken run is well away from that tree.