CHICAGO: The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, to stay vigilant and to enjoy the various citywide events and festivals this weekend safely and responsibly. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders as needed.

 

Report Suspicious Activity: 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, 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.

 

Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC app. The app is a great tool to receive alerts, safety tips, the weather forecast, street closures, event information and more. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

 

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at major events to direct flow and impacts from traffic. Weekend events include:

 

Windy City Smokeout – United Center

Thursday, July 11–Sunday, July 14

Windy City Smokeout, the country music and BBQ festival will return to the grounds of the United Center. The festival is in Parking Lot C (1901 W. Madison St), entrance to the festival is at Madison and Wood Streets. Event Times: Thursday, July 11 and Friday, July 12, 2–10 p.m.; Saturday, July 13 and Sunday, July 14: 1–10 p.m.

 

For public safety, all attendees will be subject to a full and complete search prior to entry. This includes walking through a magnetometer and bag check upon entering the event site. Attendees may be subjected to additional screening, such as a pat down. Persons that refuse to comply with the search policy will be refused entry into the event. For all security details, including allowed and prohibited items, visit WindyCitySmokeout.com/FAQ.

 

Street Closures around the United Center

Monday, July 8-Tuesday, July 16

· Madison St. from Paulina St. to Damen Ave.

· Wood St. from Warren, Ave to Monroe St.

· Warren Blvd remains open for the event; however, there will be a lane closure on Warren from Wood St.to Damen Ave.

 

Traffic Control Aides (TCA’s) will be on hand at major events to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. For additional details visit WindyCitySmokeout.com.

 

Chosen Few Picnic

Saturday, July 13, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. in Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave at 63rd St. and Hayes Dr. For details visit the Chosen Few 'World’s Largest' House Music Picnic & Festival.

 

Square Roots Festival

Friday, July 12, 5–10 p.m., Saturday, July 13, noon–10 p.m. and Sunday, July 14, noon–9 p.m. in Lincoln Square on Lincoln Ave. between Montrose and Wilson. For details visit SquareRoots.org

 

West Fest Chicago

Friday, July 12, 5–10 p.m., Saturday, July 13, noon–10 p.m. and Sunday, July 14, noon–10 p.m. in the West Town community on Chicago Ave. between Wood St. and Damen St. For details westtownchamber.org/west-fest-chicago.

 

Sundays on State

Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sundays on State transforms State Street, when it closes to vehicular traffic from Lake Street to Adams Street on July 14. Neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond unite for a free, interactive block party, while safely enjoying art, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping, and local attractions in the heart of everyone’s neighborhood – the Loop. For details visit, LoopChicago.com/events/sundays-on-state.

 

Chicago White Sox vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Friday, July 12 at 7:10 p.m., Saturday, July 13 at 1:10 p.m. and Sunday, July 14 at 1:10 p.m. at Guaranteed Rate Field.

 

Severe Summer Storms

Be aware of scattered thunderstorms that could develop suddenly with possible high winds and lightning. Before heading out, check the weather forecast. If there is a severe weather threat, be mindful of emergency exits and official announcements for sheltering or evacuation situations.

As extreme temperatures can be hazardous and unpredictable, OEMC and City departments are reminding residents and visitors of safety tips and the resources available When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, we encourage everyone to monitor themselves and others for the telltale signs of heat-related illness. Extreme sweating, intense thirst, nausea, fatigue or weakness, and dizziness or confusion can all be indicators of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1.

 

Tips to Beat the Heat

· Stay hydrated – drink lots of water, AVOID alcohol, caffeine, sodas.

· Stay inside, if you do not have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.

· Keep electric lights off or turned down.

· Minimize use of your oven and stove.

· Wear loose, light, cotton clothing.

· Take cool baths and showers.

· Do not leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

 

To receive the latest updates on heat advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City’s emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC’s social media pages, tune to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App.

 

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, event and concert attendees are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and lakefront to help reference their location within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers will be able to provide the location to first responders. They can also be used between friends and family members as a meeting point if you become separated. For complete details, click Chicago.gov/OEMC/Pole Marking/Location Identifiers.

 

Public Transportation: As for any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged, and both CTA and Metra will provide additional service for the event. Public transit is the most affordable and convenient way to get to and from the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

 

OEMC will issue 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 notice and issues affecting businesses:

 

· 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

 

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).