Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is teaming up with Marvel Comics to reinvigorate how OEMC Emergency Managers communicate with residents on public safety and emergency management topics. Fans of the Marvel Universe will recognize the star of the new OEMC campaign, Riri Williams, AKA Ironheart.

“Being prepared for an emergency is at the center of OEMC’s mission to keep residents and visitors safe,” said Jose Tirado, OEMC Executive Director. “This collaboration with Marvel will take our community outreach and public safety messaging to a new level. We look forward to further amplifying our preparedness messaging in our communities through this partnership.”

Chicago native Riri Williams is a natural fit for the OEMC and Marvel collaboration. Inspired by Tony Stark, AKA Iron Man, and determined to follow in his heroic footsteps, the fifteen-year-old super-genius built her own suit of advanced armor and leads a life of adventure, keeping people safe, and humanitarianism, as the Super Hero known as Ironheart. For a complete bio on Riri Williams. AKA Ironhert, click HERE.

The goal of the new campaign is to bring preparedness tips and safety information to all age groups, from young kids to adults with themed messaging featuring the fan-favorite character. Starting today, Chicago residents will see Ironheart throughout the city, reiterating how to keep themselves SUPER prepared as she works hand-in-hand with Chicago’s own superheroes, OEMC’s Emergency Managers. Learn more about the campaign on OEMC’s podcast, Answering the Call - IRONHEART.

The campaign will start with three messages to target residents of Chicago: reporting suspicious activity, severe weather, and excessive heat. Those three messaging points, as illustrated through stories about Ironheart, are detailed below:

• Stay Alert! Report Suspicious Activity by Calling 9-1-1
• Ironheart reminds residents of the OEMC’s most important public safety message to do is to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity or suspicious packages by calling 9-1-1. When you're at an event, public gathering or just going about your daily life, if you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. 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.
• Download Images: https://cityofchicago.box.com/s/n8wfdyth2b1fds27lz0qmqvnz1agypii

• Ironheart battles Whirlwind – Know what to do to prepare for a tornado or any type of extreme weather
• In 2023, Illinois had a record number of tornados and severe storms. Thunderstorms can come suddenly and can include flash floods, damaging winds, tornados, or dangerous lightning. It is important to be prepared to take precautions and to seek shelter to avoid the impacts of these conditions. Ironheart battles Whirlwind to remind residents what they need to do in case of severe storms and tornadoes.
• Download Images: https://cityofchicago.box.com/s/ecopo82mj6jdxuvyrh0k3q3dkdntj6sb

• Riri Williams, AKA Ironheart prepares for extreme heat in Chicago
• While summer weather is something to look forward to in Chicago, we should all be responsible when it comes to excessively hot temperatures or extreme conditions that can lead to unsafe conditions. Ironheart will provide tips to stay safe when temperatures climb to dangerous levels like hydrating, staying in a cool place and the importance of checking on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable population.
• Download Images: https://cityofchicago.box.com/s/ysdtm2yuwnegz648l4dgp7k70szpnqxp

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores. To immediately download, click HERE or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

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).