Cook County Reminds Residents 'If You See Something, Say Something'

In the wake of the terrorist attack in Barcelona, the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) reminds residents to report suspicious packages and activity to authorities. The department stresses the importance of the “If You See Something, Say Something” anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, urging residents to report any non-emergency suspicious activity by calling 855-RPRT-2-S4, the official local number of the campaign.

If there is an immediate threat to life or property, the public should call 9-1-1 or report it to on-site security.

“Our residents are our boots on the ground in the fight against terrorism,” said Mark Edingburg, interim executive director of DHSEM. “Always be aware of your surroundings and do not hesitate to report anything suspicious.”

DHSEM launched the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign two years ago in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Locally they have partnered with transit agencies, colleges and the faith-based community to help promote the program to residents on public transportation, in schools, at events and at other public and private spaces around the community.

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The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management integrates first responders, their departments and resources from 134 Cook County municipalities, and serves as the central agency in Cook County for coordinating efforts to prevent, protect against, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from all incidents, whether man-made or natural. For more information, visit our website at www.cookcountyhomelandsecurity.org.