Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will be providing residents safety and preparedness tips during Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois, March 4 – 8. OEMC would also like to encourage everyone to take part in the Statewide Tornado Drill Wednesday, March 6th at 11 a.m. with the National Weather Service through social media. For details, click Severe Weather Preparedness.  Below are themes identified by the National Weather Service for each day during Severe Weather Preparedness Week:

• Monday: Receiving Warnings
• Tuesday: Lightning
• Wednesday: Tornadoes
• Thursday: Hail/Wind
• Friday: Flash Flooding

OEMC and Ironheart will team up to make sure residents are prepared for severe weather this spring and summer. Throughout the week look for tips on creating an emergency plan, as well as preparedness information for tornadoes, lightning, wind and hail, and flooding. In 2023, Illinois had a record number of tornados and severe storms. Below, Ironheart battles Whirlwind to remind residents what they need to do in case of severe storms and tornadoes.

Chicago OEMC App for Emergency Alerts and Weather Information

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. This 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.

OEMC and Ironheart (Marvel)

OEMC has teamed 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. Marvel Images: cityofchicago.box.com/s/x3pqga3dh721woelnxn3hf9fy6gjve9v

The goal of this partnership 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. Chicago residents will see Ironheart throughout the city, demonstrating 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.

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 superhero known as Ironheart. For a complete bio on Riri Williams, AKA Ironheart, click HERE.

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).