The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding everyone to be safe and vigilant for the Navy Pier’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks and other celebrations taking place throughout the city, especially in crowds and to report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1. Navy Pier will host a New Year’s Eve countdown and fireworks display at midnight. Navy Pier will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. For additional details visit NavyPier.com

“As Chicagoans get ready to ring in the New Year, we want to remind everyone to do so safely,” said Rich Guidice, Executive Director of OEMC. “Public safety is always the number one priority, and the city remains ready to respond to all safety hazards with security measures to ensure a safe New Year’s Eve celebration throughout the City.”

OEMC will monitor all citywide events, activities, traffic, and weather conditions throughout the weekend from the Operations Center and coordinate public safety resources as needed with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.

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.

Public Transportation: For all large events, public transportation is encouraged. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events.
New Year’s Eve CTA Service:
• Free Rides: CTA is once again providing free bus and rail rides beginning 10 p.m. Saturday (12/31) until 4 a.m. Sunday (1/1); customers do not need to tap their Ventra Card or other payment methods to board buses or enter rail stations during this time.
• All CTA bus and rail service will operate on a normal Sunday schedule on Sunday, January 1, when the New Year is a nationally observed holiday. CTA will run a Saturday schedule on Saturday, December 31st.
For more information, visit CTA at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit www.transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA.

Weather
OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

OEMC will issue 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

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).

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