In October, the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) continued its Location Identifier/Pole Marking Program with the installation of signage on light poles from 3900 South (Oakwood) to 1200 South (Roosevelt), which can be used to report a location to 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. This signage helps first responders get to a specific area in an emergency where addresses may not be present. As part of a phased process, OEMC has previously installed signage along DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 6600 South to 3900 South and also in Grant Park area. For details, visit City of Chicago Pole Marking/Location Identifiers

“The Location Identifier/Pole Marking Program was initiated in 2009 through a combined effort of various City agencies,” said OEMC Executive Director Rich Guidice. “These signs serve as visual aids for the purposes of location identification by either a 9-1-1 caller or a first responder in an emergency response. Whether it’s to report a person struggling in the water, a medical emergency at an event, a suspicious object or person or any other crisis where pole markers are present, look up and report the number on the closest light pole sign to determine the location of the incident for first responders.”

Pole Markers affixed to light poles are green and white with white characters listed vertically. The letter and number combinations are used to identify locations. For instance, a sign listing the characters ‘M300’ would be located at 300 E. Monroe and ‘LSD5132S would be at 5132 S. Lake Shore Drive.

This pole number information has also been entered into the 9-1-1’s computer aided dispatch system (CAD) which allows OEMC call takers and dispatchers to automatically associate each location with an approximate address or location. This helps emergency responders to locate areas needing assistance, especially during crowded events held throughout the year along the Lakefront and Grant Park.

“When you call 9-1-1 to report an emergency or crisis on Lake Shore Drive or along the lakefront, providing the call taker with the pole location identifier assists them in getting first responders to that location quickly, potentially saving lives,” stated Carla Orlandi, Director of 9-1-1 Operations.

As part of the program, this phase of pole markers extends the four areas presently marked, with upcoming installations to encompass the rest of Lake Shore Drive to 5700 North. Four sites are marked with signage.

1. Grant Park Area:
Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Randolph Street
Balbo Drive from Michigan Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Ida B. Wells from Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive
Jackson Blvd. from Michigan Avenue to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Monroe Street from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive
2. Lakefront path from Oak Street to Fullerton Avenue
3. Lakefront and inner path from Montrose to Foster
This also includes the Montrose Harbor Area (this location includes two beach towers that have been marked)
4. DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 6600 South to 1200 South

This signage is can also be utilized at various events such as the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, the Chicago Marathon and the Air and Water Show and has proven to be essential components to the public safety plans. In addition, signage can also be used to inform others of your location as well.

For more information on this program and for updates, visit the OEMC website and click on Public Safety icon or visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem/provdrs/pole-marking-location-identifiers.html
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If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. If you See Something Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, call 9-1-1.

OEMC issues any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices, issues affecting businesses or COVID-19 updates:
• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3
• COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by TEXTING “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3
For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).