The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging residents to participate in National Preparedness Month throughout the month of September. National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each year to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. 

“We never know when challenges may disrupt our normal way of life so being prepared is key, said Rich Guidice, Executive Director (OEMC). “Having a plan and knowing what to do when disaster strikes can be the difference between life and death. I encourage you and your family to learn how to be prepared.” 

Throughout the month OEMC will present educational videos on social media to ensure residents are prepared for emergencies such as a flood, blizzard, extreme heat or cold, fire, terrorist attack or a pandemic. OEMC will also be encouraging all to sign up for the Smart911 services to better assist residents in an emergency should they ever have to call 9-1-1. For details visit, Smart911.com. 

The 2020 National Preparedness Month theme is "Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.” Each week will offer an activity all residents can perform on their own or with family and friends. Emergency preparedness information, tips and helpful links are available on OEMC’s website at  Chicago.gov/OEMC. 

• September 1-5: Make A Plan: Know how to prepare for disasters that include how you will communicate with family and friends during disasters, reviewing insurance papers, and much more.  
• September 6-12: Build A Kit: You’ll need items to survive during a disaster that includes supplies you may need at home as well as a go kit of items you may need if you must evacuate quickly to a safer location.  
• September 13-19: Prepare for Disasters: Find out the best way to limit the impacts a disaster may have, like having the right insurance coverage or what can you do to your home to make it stronger and more resilient. 
• September 10-26: Teach Youth About Preparedness: Take the time now and talk with your children to reassure them. Teach them lessons on preparedness. Make family preparedness a fun annual event.  
• September 1-30: Sign-up for Smart911 – www.Smart911.com 
• September 24:  Public Safety Vendor Fair on WebEx hosted 
• September 25: National See Something, Say Something Day 

Safe Chicago – Ready? Respond! Recover. 

Throughout National Preparedness month, OEMC will present the SAFE CHICAGO video series to prepare residents and City of Chicago employees how be prepared for emergencies and how to help save lives. Topics will include: what you need to know when you call 9-1-1 with OEMC call-takers and dispatchers, how to be ready and what to do in emergencies featuring OEMC Emergency Managers, how to be prepared during the pandemic and more.  

Smart911 

To better assist those needing 9-1-1 services, the OEMC continues to encourage residents to create a Smart911 profile. Smart911 allows residents to create a free, secure Safety Profile for their household that includes information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency. A Smart911 profile immediately provides the call taker with details that can be used to facilitate a quick response and added information emergency personnel should know when responding to save time in order to save lives. To create a Smart911 profile, download the Smart911 mobile app or to learn more, go to Smart911.com or connect via OEMC’s website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. 

The Chicago Department of Health will also provide actions residents should complete in the event of a public health emergency caused by a snow storm, an outbreak of infectious disease like COVID-19 or a lengthy power outage that limits access to supplies and services for several days, especially those who are medically dependent on electricity. Details can be found at Chicago.gov/prepare . For tips a updates on the COVID-19 pandemic visit Chicago.gov/Coronavirus 

For complete details on emergency preparedness information and tips are available on OEMC’s website  Chicago.gov/OEMC or the FEMA website at Ready.gov/September. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook , Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911) using the hashtags #BeReady, #Smart911, #ChicagoOEMC  #SafeChicago 

Office of Emergency Management and Communications 

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) provides residents of Chicago with prompt and reliable 9-1-1 service for police, fire and emergency medical services and coordinates major emergency response. The mission of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications is to manage incidents, coordinate events, operate communications systems, and provide technology, among other forms of support, to City services to strengthen their respective missions and to protect lives and property in the City of Chicago. In 2020, the OEMC marks 25 years serving the residents of the City of Chicago. OEMC is committed to closely partnering with local, regional, state, and federal partners to achieve seamless integration and complementary missions.  

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