The City of Chicago announced on May 28 that it is preparing for a weekend filled with festivals, concerts, athletic events, and increased crowds by advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, heavier traffic, and heightened security. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) said it will coordinate citywide deployments with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, infrastructure departments, other agencies, and private partners to ensure public safety.
OEMC reminded the public about the importance of reporting suspicious activity to onsite event security or by calling 9-1-1. “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,” OEMC said.
Major events scheduled for the weekend include Maifest Chicago in Lincoln Square from May 29–31; Do Division music festival in West Town; Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox games at Rate Field; Windy City Hot Dog Festival in Portage Park; ABC 7 Gibbons 5K Run at Montrose Harbor; Night Nation Run at Soldier Field; Navy Pier fireworks on Saturday night; and the Miche 5K at Dvorak Park on Sunday morning.
Residents are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App for real-time safety information, emergency alerts, weather updates, preparedness tips, CHI Safe Walk services and current event details. OEMC also advised attendees to check weather conditions before heading out and sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. The office will monitor events throughout the weekend alongside public safety partners.
The City of Chicago Emergency Management and Communications enhances community resilience through public education initiatives such as volunteer training programs and severe weather preparedness efforts while protecting life and property through incident management operations. It maintains an all-hazard alert warning system with a single audible tone for emergencies across its citywide operations. The department collaborates with federal partners like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as well as state agencies including Illinois Emergency Management Agency for coordinated responses during major incidents or emergencies, according to the official website.
