OEMC Offers Halloween Tips to Trick-or Treat and Enjoy Events Safely Throughout the Neighborhood

With Halloween events and trick-or-treating citywide, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding everyone to be safe and alert, especially in crowds and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1. OEMC also is encouraging motorists and trick-or-treaters to be cognizant of the traffic when travelling through the neighborhoods.

The National Weather Service in Chicago is advising that there will be periods of strong winds throughout the week with gusts up to 45-55 mph on Thursday afternoon and 35-40 breezy winds Halloween evening and avoiding activities that cause open flames or sparks is recommended. A Wind Advisory is in effect through 10 p.m. on Thursday and it is advised to secure outdoor objects, including holiday decorations due to high winds.

Halloween and trick-or-treating safety tips include:

Creating a Smart911.com profile for your household is a great idea to provide 9-1-1 with important information to assist in an emergency. Smart911 is a free service that allows you to create a safety profile for your family, which includes information like children, pets, health conditions, home address, and more. A Smart911 profile is available to the call taker when calling 9-1-1 to the help you need to assist first responders in an emergency incident. It is an essential part of any Halloween or everyday safety plan. For more tips and more information on Smart911 Smart911_HalloweenCostume_Flyer

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade, Thursday, October 31
The 2024 Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade events begin at 6:30 p.m., with the parade step off at 7:30 p.m. at Halsted and Belmont and proceeds to Halsted and Cornelia for the 8:30 p.m. awards show and event conclusion at 10 p.m. Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade • Northalsted Business Alliance

Usher Past Present Future, Thursday, October 31

Usher concert at United Center is on Thursday at 8 p.m., with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. USHER - October 28, 29, & 31, 2024 | United Center

Carrera de los Muertos® / Race of the Dead, Saturday, November 2

Carrera de los Muertos 5K is Saturday, November 2 in the Pilsen neighborhood starts at 8 a.m. at Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450-1510 W. Cermak Rd. Expect street closures in the area including Blue Island, Laflin, 21st Street, Paulina, Wood, 16th Street, Newberry, 18th Street and Throop Street. RACE INFO - Carrera de los Muertos® / Race of the Dead

Report 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."

Weather and Public Safety: OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download a weather app.

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

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).