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National Preparedness Month to Emphasize Emergency Plans

Chicago – Images from the aftereffects of Hurricane Harvey are an important reminder of just how crucial preparedness is during an emergency. The start of September marks the beginning of National Preparedness Month, a nationwide initiative developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, urging Americans to prepare for any emergency. The theme of this year’s preparedness month is: “Disasters don’t plan ahead, YOU CAN.”

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.

Flooding Assistance

Flooding has impacted communities across Cook County, leaving many residents and local governments with questions about flooding assistance. While Gov. Bruce Rauner has included Cook County in the state’s disaster proclamation, Illinois does not have disaster assistance programs.

Providing Assistance to Flooded Communities

As storms continue to roll through the region, the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has activated its Emergency Operations Center to assist municipalities with needed information and resources.

The department has deployed sandbags, electronic message boards, light towers and water pumps, in addition to other equipment, to provide assistance to municipalities during what could be a major flood event. DHSEM is working with communities around Cook County to assess their needs.

Storm Safety Tips for Cook County Residents

Thunderstorms are rolling through Cook County. With them comes the threat of flooding. Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers the following tips to keep residents safe:

Flooding

'If You See Something, Say Something' During the Holiday Weekend

Chicago – The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is asking 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 is urged to call 9-1-1 or report it to on-site security.

Grant Opportunity for 2017 Nonprofit Urban Areas Security Initiative

Non-profit organizations that are at a high risk of terrorist attacks in Chicago and Cook County are eligible to apply for national security grants through a competitive grant program recently announced by the Grants Program Directorate/Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Reminding Residents 'If You See Something, Say Something'

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) are asking residents to report suspicious activity and packages to authorities. Both departments stress the importance of the “If You See Something, Say Something”™ anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, urging residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 855-RPRT-2-S4, the official local number of the campaign. This extends the inter-agency campaign and partnership that has been ongoing for the last two years.

Tips Following the 'WannaCry' Ransomware Attack

The WannaCry ransomware attacks have affected hundreds of thousands of victims in 150 countries. It’s not just businesses that are vulnerable to ransomware attacks. Personal devices are at risk as well. The Information Security Office at Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is offering some quick tips to help residents combat cyber threats.

Proactively Securing Business Today for a Better Tomorrow - 2017 Chief Information Security Officer Leadership Forum

The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (DHSEM) Ricardo Lafosse spoke at Argyle’s 2017 Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Leadership Forum in Chicago. Exploring the latest trends and technological capabilities impacting the information security landscape, this annual summit hosts some of Chicago’s Fortune 500 leaders and top-tier executives.

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