CHICAGO: Beginning October 2 through October 10, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be hosting five Disaster Preparedness training sessions at houses of worship from districts located in each of the city’s five police areas.

“Throughout the year, OEMC collaborates with CPD and other City agencies on exercises to ensure that the City is prepared to respond to a variety of emergencies and disasters,” said Jose Tirado, OEMC Executive Director. “This upcoming workshop series will build upon our preparedness efforts, providing these houses of worship with critical training to better respond to various potential emergency scenarios.”

The workshops are geared toward security personnel or the emergency response coordinator from each participating house of worship. Training for the half day session will include:

• An overview of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)
• Emergency Operations Plan Introduction (CDPH)
• Severe Weather Information and Preparedness (OEMC)
• Active Shooter Training (includes a simulation by CERT volunteers) (CPD)
• Safe Chicago Bleeding Control Training (OEMC)

TRAINING SCHEDULE:

MEDIA NOTE: Media is invited to cover the training sessions at Area 3 on October 3 and Area 1 on October 8. An RSVP is required.

Wednesday, October 2 – Area 2

Another Chance Church

9550 S. Harvard

9 a.m.

Thursday, October 3 – Area 3 (Media Availability)

Park Community Church

1001 N. Crosby

9 a.m.

Tuesday, October 8 – Area 1 (Media Availability)

Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

4534 S. Princeton

9 a.m.

Wednesday, October 9 – Area 4

JLM Abundant Life Center

2622 W. Jackson

9 a.m.

Thursday, October 10 – Area 5

Liberty Christian Center

5447 W. Addison

9 a.m.

If your house of worship would like to participate or would like to receive preparedness information, please contact your local CAPS office Faith Based Liaison.

City of Chicago Public Safety Engagement and Education

OEMC is committed to providing preparedness training and information to keep residents safe through community engagement and public education, along with a number of programs and public safety tools available to the public.

Safe Chicago

Through the Safe Chicago program, OEMC has installed over a 1,000 Safe Chicago Bleeding Control Kits across the city adding to the public safety of residents, city employees and visitors. The lifesaving kits have been installed at Navy Pier, City Colleges, on Chicago River tour boats, sports arenas, tourist destinations, City of Chicago owned and leased buildings, and other locations throughout the city. OEMC’s Safe Chicago initiative has helped make bleeding control kits and training widely accessible throughout the City. More than 4,000 city employees and partners have been trained on how to utilize the bleeding control kits. Preparedness VIDEO: Safe Chicago Bleeding Control Kits on the Riverwalk.

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. Throughout the year OEMC reminds residents to report suspicious activity and to be aware of your surroundings in large gatherings, at work, places of worship, critical facilities and also online. If you notice suspicious activity or packages, please call 9-1-1. For tips on how to report suspicious activity, visit OEMC's See Something Say Something Toolkit.

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Go

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents 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.

Are You SUPER Prepared?

OEMC has teamed up with Marvel Comics to reinvigorate how OEMC Emergency Managers communicate with residents on public safety and emergency management topics. Chicago native and Marvel Superhero Ironheart is bringing preparedness tips and safety information to all age groups, from young kids to adults with themed messaging featuring the fan-favorite character. Preparedness tips include reporting suspicious activity, severe weather and tornados,  excessive heat and water safety with additional coming later this fall.  For complete details visit Chicago.gov/oemc (Ironheart).

CERT – Community Emergency Response Team

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program offers members of the public an opportunity to learn basic hands-on disaster response techniques and life-saving skills to utilize in their own homes and neighborhoods CERT members train for a minimum 27 hours of classroom and 3 hours hands on practical skills in the following areas before becoming a registered volunteer. Residents can sign up for Spring 2025 classes HERE. For details on CERT, please visit Chicago.gov/OEMC/CERT

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

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), X /Twitter.com (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), and OEMC Chicago - YouTube