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News Releases

Tips for High Winds and Flood Safety

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Cook County with sustained winds of 40 mph and gusts as high as 60 mph, especially near Lake Michigan. With additional flood advisories throughout the area, Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe:

High Winds

We All Play a Role in Keeping Our Community Safe

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) reminds its residents to stay alert. “If You See Something, Say Something”™ is anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, urging you to report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 for any immediate threats or 855-RPRT-2-S4, the official local number of the campaign.

Planning That Could Save Your Life: Winter Weather Survival Kit for Your Car

Even a short drive can turn into a dangerous one, especially during severe weather. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) advises residents to take extra precautions when driving during storms and to also keep an emergency kit in each of their vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during a storm.

A basic safety kit should include the following items:

Cook County Reminds Residents to Spring Forward Safely

It’s one of the simplest and least expensive things people can do around their home and it could save lives. As residents set clocks forward one hour this weekend, Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) urges everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors and check to ensure they are in good working order.

A majority of Americans have at least one smoke detector in their home, but in 20 percent of those homes the smoke detectors don’t work, according to data collected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Urging Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather

Today’s storms have the potential of producing lightning, high winds, hail and even tornadoes throughout Cook County and much of northern and central Illinois The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in effect until 10 p.m. CST. Much of the severe weather will occur in the evening, so stay alert for warnings through outdoor sirens, smartphone apps, weather radios, TV, radio and Internet. Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe.

Tornado:

Safety Tips for High Winds

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Cook County with wind gusts of up to 60 mph. Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe:

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

The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) are reminding residents to stay attentive during the holiday season. Both departments are stressing the importance of the “If You See Something, Say Something”™ anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, urging residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 for any immediate threats or 855-RPRT-2-S4, the official local number of the campaign.

Cook County Warming Centers Open As Temps Drop

Municipalities around Cook County have opened warming centers for area residents to safely cope with the sub-freezing temperatures the region is experiencing:

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Department Launches Cyber Threat Intelligence Grid

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (DHSEM) Information Security Office (ISO), and Anomali, provider of market-leading threat intelligence platforms, today announced that the DHSEM has launched a collaborative project to support local municipalities in combating cyberattacks. The Cook County Cyber Threat Intelligence Grid (CCCTIG) is designed to strengthen the region’s cybersecurity through shared intelligence.

Tips for a Safe and Successful Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday can be a welcome alternative to the crowded parking lots, long checkout lines and the general hassle shoppers face on Black Friday. But it is not without its pitfalls. Cyber criminals work hard to trick consumers into divulging sensitive information. But there are basic steps online shoppers can take to remain secure online.

Ricardo Lafosse, Chief Information Security Officer at Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has tips for consumers who choose to do their holiday shopping from the comfort of their homes:

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