The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is urging residents to prepare for potential severe weather during the upcoming spring and summer months, according to an April 22 announcement. The city is reminding both residents and visitors about available resources aimed at helping people stay safe during extreme heat, storms, and flooding.
Officials say public safety remains a top priority as OEMC works closely with the National Weather Service in Chicago to monitor conditions throughout the season. If emergencies or hazardous weather arise, OEMC will coordinate with city departments to assist all communities, including vulnerable populations. The department encourages everyone to download the new Chicago OEMC App for timely safety information, emergency alerts, preparedness tips, current forecasts, radar updates, and more.
To help residents cope with extreme heat events—such as those that trigger a National Weather Service warning—the Department of Family and Support Services activates cooling centers when temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Additional relief can be found at senior centers, public libraries, park district fieldhouses equipped with air conditioning where available, City Colleges of Chicago campuses during operating hours, police district stations open around the clock for shelter connections, as well as pools and splash pads across the city. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors or request wellbeing checks through CHI311 if needed.
For storm preparedness—including thunderstorms that may bring flash floods or tornadoes—the city maintains an all-hazard alert warning system designed for outdoor notification using a single audible tone according to the official website. Residents are advised not to drive through standing water on streets or viaducts and should report flooding issues using CHI311 or by calling 3-1-1. The OEMC also collaborates with organizations such as Marvel Comics in outreach efforts aimed at educating all age groups about emergency preparedness.
According to the official website, OEMC enhances community resilience through public education programs focused on severe weather readiness while protecting life and property via incident management and technological support services. Its operations extend across Chicago for managing emergencies large and small; it offers services like 9-1-1 response for emergencies—and non-emergency support via 3-1-1—as well as traffic management initiatives.
In addition,the official website states that OEMC collaborates closely with federal partners such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and state agencies like Illinois Emergency Management Agency for coordinated responses when needed.
