Chicago

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Emergency Communication

Important information about contacting emergency services (911), non-emergency hotlines, and assistance numbers.

Sections

1. Emergency Communication Services in Chicago

Emergency Numbers

  • 911: The primary emergency number in the United States, including Chicago, for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Dialing 911 is free from any phone, including mobile phones without an active service plan.
  • 311: For non-emergency city services, such as reporting potholes, streetlight outages, or non-urgent public safety concerns. This service is also free and available 24/7.

Emergency Alerts and Notifications

  • Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Chicago residents and visitors with mobile phones will automatically receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for severe weather, AMBER alerts (child abduction emergencies), and other critical situations. These alerts are free and do not require subscription.
  • NotifyChicago: A free emergency alert system provided by the City of Chicago. Residents and visitors can sign up to receive text or email alerts about severe weather, public safety issues, and other emergencies. Sign up at NotifyChicago.

Radio and Television

  • Emergency Broadcast System (EBS): Local radio and television stations in Chicago will interrupt regular programming to broadcast emergency information. Popular stations include:
    • WBBM Newsradio 780 AM / 105.9 FM: A reliable source for real-time news and emergency updates.
    • Local TV Channels: Channels like ABC 7 Chicago, NBC 5 Chicago, and CBS 2 Chicago provide live updates during emergencies.

Social Media and Websites

  • Follow official accounts for real-time updates:
    • City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC): Twitter and Facebook.
    • Chicago Police Department (CPD): Twitter.
    • National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago: Twitter.

2. Communication Providers and Services

Mobile Phone Providers

Major mobile carriers in Chicago include:

  • AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and US Cellular: These providers offer reliable coverage throughout Chicago. Prepaid SIM cards are available for short-term visitors, with plans starting at around $30โ€“$50 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.
  • International Roaming: Visitors from abroad should check with their home carrier for international roaming options. Alternatively, purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM can be more cost-effective.

Public Wi-Fi

  • Free public Wi-Fi is available in many locations across Chicago, including:
    • Chicago Public Libraries
    • Oโ€™Hare and Midway Airports
    • Millennium Park and other public spaces
  • During emergencies, public Wi-Fi can be a valuable resource for staying connected if mobile networks are congested.

Landline Phones

  • Landlines are less common but still available in hotels, businesses, and some residences. Dialing 911 from a landline provides emergency responders with your exact location.

3. Common Protocols During Emergencies

What to Do in an Emergency

  1. Call 911: Clearly state the nature of the emergency, your location, and any relevant details. Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
  2. Follow Instructions: Emergency responders will provide guidance on what to do next.
  3. Stay Informed: Monitor local news, social media, or NotifyChicago alerts for updates.

Severe Weather Protocols

  • Chicago is prone to severe weather, including snowstorms, tornadoes, and flooding. During such events:
    • Seek shelter immediately if advised.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel.
    • Keep a battery-powered radio or fully charged phone for updates.

Evacuation Protocols

  • In rare cases of large-scale emergencies, the City of Chicago may issue evacuation orders. Follow official instructions and use designated evacuation routes. Public transportation (CTA buses and trains) may be used to assist with evacuations.

4. Costs Associated with Emergency Communication

  • 911 Calls: Free from any phone.
  • NotifyChicago Alerts: Free to sign up and receive alerts.
  • Mobile Plans: Costs vary by provider, but prepaid plans start at $30โ€“$50 per month. International visitors may incur roaming charges if using their home carrier.
  • Public Wi-Fi: Free in many locations.

5. Location-Specific Considerations and Tips

Staying Updated

  • Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts as soon as you arrive in the city.
  • Download weather apps like AccuWeather or The Weather Channel for real-time updates on severe weather.
  • Follow local news outlets and emergency services on social media.

Language Assistance

  • Chicagoโ€™s 911 operators can access translation services for non-English speakers. Simply state your language, and an interpreter will be connected to the call.
  • NotifyChicago alerts are available in multiple languages.

Backup Communication

  • Keep a portable phone charger or power bank with you, especially during severe weather or power outages.
  • Write down important phone numbers in case your phone battery dies or you lose access to your contacts.

Emergency Kits

  • Prepare an emergency kit with essentials, including a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and a battery-powered radio. This is especially important during winter storms or other natural disasters.

Visitor-Specific Tips

  • If youโ€™re staying in a hotel, familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and procedures.
  • Keep your phone on silent but with vibration enabled during public events to ensure you receive emergency alerts without disturbing others.

6. Additional Resources

  • City of Chicago OEMC: Website
  • Ready.gov: A national resource for emergency preparedness: Website
  • American Red Cross Chicago Chapter: Offers disaster preparedness resources and assistance: Website

By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources available, you can stay informed and connected during emergencies in Chicago. Whether youโ€™re a visitor or a resident, being prepared and knowing how to communicate effectively can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety.