Emergency preparedness messages will be aired on the radio and shown in taxis, on billboards and on TV, and the bike sharing system, Divvy, will display messages at stations throughout the city this summer. White Sox Manager Robin Ventura is seen in videos during pre-game warmups reminding fans that “When we prepare together, Chicago wins.”
The campaign seeks to educate residents on how to prepare their families, work together as communities and volunteer during public health emergencies, including extreme weather events, and other natural disasters, as well as hazardous materials releases and epidemics.
“Chicago is best prepared when we are all prepared, which is why we are working to reach residents in every neighborhood in a variety of languages and formats,” said Bechara Choucair, commissioner of the Public Health Department. “Making sure all Chicagoans have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves in an emergency is imperative to our mission of ensuring the health and safety of our residents.”
Some points of the campaign:
- Make a plan. Establish a family emergency plan that details how you will contact one another in an emergency. Outline how you will get to a safe place and how you will get back together if separated.
- Build a kit. A family readiness kit includes essential items that can keep your family safe and healthy in an emergency until additional help arrives. It includes items such as non-perishable food, water, copies of medical prescriptions and immunization records. Make a kit for family and pets.
- Check on your neighbors. Remember to lend a hand and assist residents who are more sensitive to weather conditions, especially the elderly, the disabled and those who live alone. Residents can also call 311 to request a well-being check from the city for a neighbor in possible need of assistance.
