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Cook County Offers Residents Safety Tips During High Wind Warning

Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security offers tips to residents during today’s high wind warning.

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Cook County Warming Centers Open as Temperatures Drop

Cook County Warming Centers Open as Temperatures Drop

Temperatures could drop to record lows in the coming days. The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) reminds residents to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families. 

Municipalities and townships across Cook County are opening warming centers for residents. Residents who do not have adequate heating in their homes are encouraged to visit a warming center to ensure they remain safe.

Berwyn (Library)

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President Preckwinkle Announces New Name for County Emergency Management Department

New name reflects mission and service to Cook County residents and region

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management has been renamed to the Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS). Additionally, the department will also use the official Cook County seal instead as its logo moving forward. The County Board of Commissioners approved the name change during their proceedings this afternoon.

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Disaster Assistance Available for Residents Affected by June 2019 Flooding

Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Steger opens today

Residents in the Village of Steger and surrounding communities affected by severe storms and flooding in June 2019 can now apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA is opening a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Steger today to assist area residents in applying for loans in person. The center will remain operational until Oct. 17.

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Cook County Board Approves Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

Plan ensures County remains eligible for mitigation grant funds

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved the County’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update this week. Under the leadership of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) spearheaded the revision to the 2014 plan which remains the largest of its kind in the United States.

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Cook County to Host Preparedness Fair at Daley Plaza

Cook County to Host Preparedness Fair at Daley Plaza

WHAT:             The Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is partnering with government agencies, nonprofits and private sector organizations to ensure residents have the information they need to stay safe in an emergency – whether human-caused or natural. As part of National Preparedness Month, DHSEM is hosting a preparedness fair at Daley Plaza.

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Cook County Awards Over $2 Million in Urban Area Security Initiatives Funds to Local Municipalities

The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) announced awards of more than $2 million in Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grant funding to 19 fire, police and public works agencies to 18 Cook County municipalities.

UASI funds must support terrorism preparedness by building capabilities that relate to the prevention of, response to and recovery from terrorism. Municipalities will utilize these awards to enhance security for critical infrastructure, conduct threat and hazard identification, provide training and purchase equipment

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American Red Cross Offers Flooding Assistance

For residents of Steger, Park Forest, or University Park who were impacted by recent flooding, the American Red Cross is offering services through August 31, 2019 for those who meet the following criteria:

  • Primary living space accumulated 18 inches of water (or have a waterline above the electrical outlets).
  • You have documentation or photos of the water level in your primary living space.
  • You have proof of residency for this location.

For disaster assistance relating to this event, call the American Red Cross casework line at: 872-215-1579.

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Cook County Cooling Centers Locations and Hours

Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers the following tips to help keep you safe during warm weather:

  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and sugary drinks
  • Check on elderly neighbors and those with functional needs
  • Try to stay in the shade or indoors as much as possible
  • If working outside, take frequent breaks, preferably in an air-conditioned space
  • Take pets indoors and make sure they have plenty of water
  • Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

 

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Residents Invited to Participate in Survey/Meetings for Update to Hazard Mitigation Plan

This week’s storms along with severe weather forecasted in the coming days is a reminder to area residents of the kind of damage a weather event can cause. A number of natural hazards like flooding, snowstorms and even tornadoes impact Cook County.

That is why the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is updating the Cook County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) to prepare for natural disasters and their impacts. And they want residents’ input.

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