Chicago – A busy weekend of events that include the Arts in the Dark Halloween parade, the Chicago Blackhawks Home Opener, Bears game, walks, concerts, and other activities. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds and gatherings, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. OEMC also urges everyone to be cognizant of their surroundings and report any suspicious persons, objects, or activities to 9-1-1.

The Chicago Police Department is closely monitoring situations throughout the city alongside our local, state, and federal partners. Though there is no actionable intelligence regarding any credible threats in Chicago at this time, there is an increased uniformed police presence across the city, including at all large gatherings, out of an abundance of caution and will continue its mission to keep all residents and visitors of our city safe.

As always, the OEMC will monitor events citywide from the Operations Center through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC app. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.

Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something™ OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity – especially in large gatherings. 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. Although the City has not received actionable threats, the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes the continued heightened threat environment across the United States. It notes that “lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States.”

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and festival goers are encouraged to download the 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 available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Fall Bridge Lifts for Boat Runs: Motorists can expect delays at bridges on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22, beginning at 7:30 a.m., for the sequential lifts of 27 bridges from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to South Ashland for fall boat runs. Due to the high volume of boats expected on both days, extra time may be required for all boats to clear. While the bridge is in the upright position, traffic is halted. Drivers may use alternate streets or wait until the bridge is lowered.

Joji with Kenny Beats at United Center – Friday, October 20 – 7:30 p.m.

Gates Open at 6:30 p.m. unitedcenter.com/events

Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade – Saturday, October 21, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 21, 6 p.m. step-off

Route: State Street from Lake St to Van Buren

Assembly: 4 p.m., Wacker Dr between Lake St and State St.

Traffic Control Aides will be deployed to facilitate traffic. artsinthedark.org

Out of the Darkness Walk – Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Community Walk begins at 9 a.m. at Montrose Harbor with the Stage Program & Honor Bead Ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. The walk begins at 11 a.m. just east of Lakeshore Drive at Montrose Avenue and Simonds Drive. The route is 3 miles and starts and ends at the event site.

Chicago Blackhawks Home Opener – Saturday, October 21, 7 p.m.

The first Chicago Blackhawks home game for this hockey season is at United Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. with the Blackhawks hosting the Vegas Golden Knights. Gates Open at 5:30 p.m. Guests can enter the arena with a small purse or personal bag up to 10x6x2. No backpacks or other bags are allowed. Bag check is available in United Center Parking Lot J on Wood St. and Monroe St. To increase and streamline the fan experience for guests who take Uber to and from the United Center, the new Uber Zone is located at the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street (Lot E) and will combine the three former Uber locations around the arena. unitedcenter.com/chicago-blackhawks

Chicago Bears vs Las Vegas Raiders – Sunday, October 22, Noon

The Bears host the Raiders at Soldier Field with kick-off at noon. Parking lots open at 8 a.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. soldierfield.com/chicago-bears-vs-las-vegas-raiders

Fan Safety: Soldier Field’s NFL clear bag policy is in effect for this event. Clear plastic bags/backpacks that do not exceed 12"x6"x12" or one gallon (or smaller) clear plastic freezer bags are allowed. Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options. For complete details including a list of prohibited items, visit ChicagoBears.com/game-day/coming-to-the-game

Parking, Ride-Share and Transportation: Rideshare Uber/Lyft drop-off/pick-up is located at Balbo and Columbus. Rideshare users are urged to be alert and take the necessary precautions before entering a ride-share vehicle. No exiting from vehicles on or along DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be condoned. Residential parking restrictions are in effect around Soldier Field. Call 3-1-1 to locate towed vehicles. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand to facilitate traffic.

OEMC issues 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

· 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

Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents and visitors are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the light poles throughout the Grant Park area and along the lakefront. The green signs with white letters and numbers are also located from 5700 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive to 6600 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton and Montrose to Foster Avenue to help residents reference their location within the park to friends, family and first responders if there is an emergency and you call 9-1-1.

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).