Celebrating the Holiday Season Safely

The City of Chicago encourages residents and visitors to celebrate the Holiday season safely. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding everyone to be safe and vigilant, especially in crowds, be aware of evacuation/exit points at events and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1. OEMC will monitor all citywide activities, traffic, and weather conditions throughout the holiday season and coordinate public safety resources with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago infrastructure departments.

Suspicious Activity: If you See Something Say Something. OEMC reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity - especially in large gatherings. 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 - "lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and personal grievances continue to pose a persistent threat to the United States."

OEMC provides resources to share with residents and visitors on reporting suspicious activity to be used by media, community leaders, groups, companies, city department and many others. Download and share - If You See Something, Say Something Communications Toolkit.

Chicago Police Department Safety Tips for Holiday Activities and Shopping

• Keep your purse close to your body, preferably in front of you or under a jacket or coat.
• Be aware of where your purse is when you go to restaurants or hotel lounges. Thieves prey on purses hung over the back of a chair or left on the floor.
• If you carry a wallet, keep it in your front pants pocket or coat breast pocket.
• Always be alert and walk confidently. Be mindful of those who pass you on a crowded bus or train or bump into you on a sidewalk. These individuals may be pickpockets.
• Do not leave packages or other valuables on the car seat where they can be seen. Lock them in the trunk.
• Do not carry valuables in backpacks, which can easily be accessed in a crowded elevator, on an escalator or in a checkout line.
• Keep an eye on credit cards and the paper trail they generate to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft. To reduce the risk, people should destroy extra copies of credit card receipts. It's also best not to carry personal information in a wallet or purse. This includes a social security number, an old credit card, ATM receipts or seldom used credit cards.
• Keep pertinent information, including credit card account numbers, banking information and social security numbers, in a secure but accessible place at home. That way, in the event that a credit card is lost or stolen, the information will be handy for reporting to authorities.
• Use caution when making online purchases, especially when the vendor is an individual rather than a known retailer.

Chicago Fire Department

The Chicago Fire Department does not recommend using space heaters; however, if used, be sure they are UL certified and at least 3 feet from anything that can ignite. Use of a space heater in children's rooms should be monitored closely as children sometimes move them close to or into bed with tragic results. If extension cords are used, they should be rated at 15 amps minimum and never put cords under carpet. With the added demand for furnaces and boilers, CFD also reminds residents are required by ordinance to have working carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a heating system that could be fatal over time. Those seeking access to warming centers and/or experiencing insufficient heat are encouraged to contact 3-1-1 for immediate assistance. Also, be sure to keep smoke detectors in working order.

Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Be Informed. Be Protected campaign provides consumers with simplified tips and resources geared towards protecting consumers from fraud and informing them of the actions they can take if they become a victim of fraud. Consumer protection tips to make your holiday shopping experience an enjoyable one:

• Save Your Receipts - Receipts are the key to hassle-free returns and cash refunds. Without a receipt, a retailer may reject the return or only provide merchandise credit.
• Check Store Policies Before Purchasing - Retailers set their own return and exchange policies. While under no legal obligation to offer refunds, stores in Chicago are required to post return and exchange policies in plain view and provide consumers with a written receipt.
• Gift Cards - Gift cards purchased in Illinois must have an expiration date that is good for at least five years after the date of issuance. If the gift card does expire, the date must be on the card. Issuers of gift cards are not allowed to reduce the value on the card or charge the card value after time.
• Check Your Credit Card Statement - Regularly check your credit card statement thoroughly. If something looks suspicious or unfamiliar, contact your credit card company first.
• Always have your packages delivered to a secure location.

To learn more, visit Chicago.gov/BACP.

Chicago Department of Public Health

As the City braces for cold temperatures and winter weather, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) would like to caution residents to take care of themselves and to aid neighbors, family members, pets, and friends, particularly those who are elderly, have disabilities and/or live alone. Taking preventative action is the best way to stay safe from the serious health risks associated with winter weather. Residents are advised to limit their time outside, wear layers of warm clothing when going outside, and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart - be careful with outdoor physical activities in the winter like shoveling snow, especially if you have high blood pressure or heart disease. CDPH is also reminding residents to get their updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines to keep themselves healthy through the holiday season. We all need to do our part to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. Residents can find flu shot locations at chicago.gov/flu and COVID-19 vaccines at Chicago.gov/COVIDVax.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is preparing to welcome large numbers of travelers at both O'Hare and Midway International Airports throughout the holiday week, and there is no greater priority than providing a safe, secure, and reassuring environment for airport travelers and employees. For everyone planning to travel through the airports, please keep in mind the following travel tips:

• Prevent traffic congestion: Cell Phone Lots are 100% free at both airports. Avoid circling and wait in the convenient parking lots until arriving passengers call to say they are ready to pick up. The O'Hare Cell Phone Lot is at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Dr., and the Midway Cell Phone Lot is located at West 61st Street and South Cicero Avenue.
• Kiss n' Fly drop-offs are located at both airports. At Midway, passengers can be dropped off at West 59th Street and South Kilpatrick Avenue and take a short walk into the terminals. At O'Hare, passengers can be dropped off at the Multi-Modal Facility, 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., and board the Airport Transit System (ATS) for a short ride to all terminals.
• The CTA Blue Line offers 24/7 service to O'Hare, while the CTA Orange Line services Midway. Both offer frequent and fast service and can help passengers avoid curbside crowds and reduce congestion.
• Metra's North Central Service offers weekday service between Union Station in downtown Chicago and the O'Hare Transfer station adjacent to the airport's Multi-Modal Facility, with access to the ATS
• Departing passengers seeking to park their vehicle at O'Hare are encouraged to check the status of parking lots before leaving for the airport at FlyChicago.com/ORD parking.
• Travelers bound for Chicago's airports can make the most informed decisions about how to access any of the above airport services by visiting flychicago.com. The website contains real-time information about flights, parking updates, taxicab wait times, available concession businesses, and other special alerts for the traveling public. The "My Flight" search page shows specific flight updates along with amenities located near the flight gate and other targeted travel resources.
• Note that access to airport terminals at both O'Hare and Midway is restricted at all times to ticketed passengers, those assisting passengers, badged employees, and others with legitimate airport business.

During the holiday season, Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at events citywide to direct flow and impacts from heavy traffic. Public transportation is strongly encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-I CTA.

Download the Chicago OEMC App

For holiday safety and winter preparedness at your fingertips, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and public safety information as well. The app is available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website, Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Weather

OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. We encourage residents to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date weather information, please tune into local media or download a weather app or the Chicago OEMC App.

OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies. Sign up for Notify Chicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses:

• CHILAKE: For lakefront notices, TEXT "CHILAKE" to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ: For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT "CHIBIZ" to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).

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