Greek Independence Parade in Greektown is on Sunday, March 26
Expect street closures and increased crowds in the area; Residents are reminded to be alert and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1
CHICAGO – Greek Independence Day heritage is celebrated this weekend in Chicago with the Hellenic Heritage Parade on Halsted from Van Buren to Madison on Sunday, March 26 at 2 p.m. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding parade-goers and those in the area to be alert in crowds and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1.
Streets closed for the parade will begin at 8 a.m. for assembly on Halsted from Harrison to Van Buren and Van Buren Bridge from Halsted to Des Plaines. Halsted is closed from Van Buren to Madison for the 2 p.m. step-off and line of march.
Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA.
NOTE: Due to the Kennedy/Edens Expressway construction, motorists may experience delays and increased traffic on local area streets as drivers find alternative routes to avoid impacts of the project. For complete details on the construction project, visit the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) website at Idot.illinois.gov/projects/
Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something Say Something. OEMC 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.
Chicago OEMC App
Residents and visitors are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App as a public safety tool providing public safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, parade day weather information and more in the palm of your hand. 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.
Weather
Chicagoans should be prepared and check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC App to get the latest forecast, radar and other information.
OEMC will monitor events in collaboration with public safety partners. 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
- 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).
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About OEMC
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees several functions that support public safety and provides assistance to residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters.