As the country recognizes National Preparedness Month in September, the City of Chicago is reminding residents to prepare for potential hazards and ensure readiness if a crisis occurs.
The Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC), the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Fire Department provide tips on how to prepare for large-scale emergencies and natural disasters.
There is no known threat in Chicago, though the City recommends planning for the unexpected by making an emergency plan and building a kit of supplies, for medical, financial and pet needs. It is also important to stay informed of ways to mitigate hazards, respond to emergencies, and to be aware of current events.
Throughout the month of September, OEMC is making extra efforts to continue to provide readiness messaging throughout Chicago with outreach measures including speaking engagements, school events and social media. Everyone is encouraged to utilize the emergency preparedness tools available at www.GearUpGetReady.org or www.Ready.gov as well as sign-up for emergency alerts at NotifyChicago.
As part of National Preparedness Month, CDPH is launching its #PrepareChicago public education campaign, providing tips for Chicagoans to prepare for large-scale emergencies and natural disasters. #PrepareChicago educates residents on how they can prepare their families, how to work together as a community and how they can volunteer during public health emergencies.
Emergency preparedness messages will be displayed throughout Chicago via the CTA and Metra transit systems, billboards, newspaper and social media ads. This year’s campaign also includes foreign language online and print publications as well as bus shelter ads in the five most commonly spoken languages in Chicago: English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Tagalog.
Residents looking for additional ways to help can volunteer their skills by signing up for the Chicago Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC). CMRC has over 400 medical and non-medical professionals who assist in public health emergencies and local disasters. Chicagoans can sign up to volunteer online or by emailing ChicagoMRC@cityofchicago.org. For more information, visit www.CityOfChicago.org/HEALTH.
If You See Something, Say Something
OEMC encourages everyone – residents, visitors, businesses – to always be aware of surroundings and report suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1, notifying on-site security or by calling the toll free local number for Chicago and Cook County at 855-RPRT-2-S4 (1-800-777-8274).
Notify Chicago
Get Chicago emergency alerts by signing-up for OEMC’s Notify Chicago alert system. This is a free service provided by the City of Chicago.
