CHICAGO: September is Preparedness Month and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is encouraging residents to participate in the National See Something, Say Something Day on Wednesday, September 25.

 “If You See Something, Say Something^®” is a national awareness campaign that encourages the public to recognize and report terrorism-related suspicious activity to local authorities. In the current threat environment, this year’s theme emphasizes the profound importance of public vigilance in national security and counterterrorism efforts – on September 25 and year-round.

On this day each year, DHS and its campaign partners come together to spread the word about the public’s role in suspicious activity reporting. This year, remember three words: Spot. Report. Prevent.

• Spot:Learn what suspicious activity looks like. Remember, factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or gender identity are not suspicious.
• Report: Speak up to reportsuspected terrorism-related crime to local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1.

Prevent: Get educated! Stay informed and vigilant to help protect your community from threats

Throughout the year OEMC continually 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. To share tips on how to report suspicious activity, visit OEMC's See Something Say Something Toolkit.

Are You SUPER Prepared?

Earlier this year, OEMC 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).

For complete details on emergency preparedness information and tips are available on OEMC’s website  Chicago.gov/OEMC or the FEMA website at Ready.gov/September. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook , Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911) using the hashtags #BeReady, #NPM2024 #SeeSay #Smart911, #ChicagoOEMC. You can also find video tips and our podcast on YouTube at OEMC Chicago - YouTube.

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