News

Hot, humid and potentially stormy weather conditions will move across Cook County starting on Wednesday and ending Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Peak afternoon heat index values between 95 – 105 degrees are expected.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle issued a disaster proclamation today for suburban Cook County in response to storms that hit the region on July 2. Several rounds of storms dumped nearly nine inches of rain in less than 24 hours in parts of the County, leading to severe flooding and other storm damage. Berwyn, Cicero and Stickney were the hardest hit suburban Cook County municipalities. By signing this proclamation, the County is able to pursue all available resources to assist communities and residents in their recovery efforts.

Suburban Centers to Remain Operational Throughout the Holiday Weekend Cook County is opening 24-hour warming centers in the north, west and south suburbs to help residents combat extreme weather conditions. The warming centers will open at 5 p.m. tonight and run continuously until 8 a.m. Monday, December 26. Residents who do not have adequate access to heat are advised to seek respite at a warming center. The center locations are as follows:

The County is sharing tips and information to keep residents and pets safe The season’s first major winter storm will bring high winds and dangerously low temperatures to the region. Cook County is sharing the following information to keep residents and pets safe. Heat Safety Awareness The County’s Emergency Management and Regional Security encourages residents to follow the following tips during cold weather to keep themselves and their families safe:

Online holiday shopping can be an alternative to the crowded parking lots, long checkout lines and the general hassle shoppers face during this time of year. But it is not without its pitfalls. Cybercriminals work hard to trick consumers into divulging sensitive information. But there are basic steps online shoppers can take to remain secure online. Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is offering tips for consumers who choose to do their holiday shopping from the comfort of their homes:

As National Preparedness Month kicks off, the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is sharing helpful tips and information on its Twitter (@CookCountyEMRS) and website (www.cookcountyemergencymanagement.org) throughout September to ensure residents remain safe before, during and after an emergency.

The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) is encouraging families to plan ahead to enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Hazards commonly associated with this holiday include extreme heat, fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor cooking. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks display organized by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security offers cooling tips and a list of cooling centers for residents The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) is offering guidance to residents to stay safe as the season’s hottest temperatures move into the region.

The Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) encourages residents to be prepared for severe weather. In Cook County, the most common severe weather hazards residents may experience include thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes, wind, flooding, and power outages. Regardless of the weather emergency, it’s always a great idea to prepare ahead of time. In order to make you, your family, and home safer during weather emergencies or any disaster, have plans and supplies in place to ensure safety and aid in recovery.

The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is hosting a National Incident Management System (NIMS) Overview Course for senior officials. (G0402) Please note: This course is not intended for the general public. Goal: The purpose of this training is to familiarize senior officials with their role in supporting incident management within the National Incident Management system (NIMS).