News Releases

Loyola Medicine, Cook County Train 30 Police Departments on Using Narcan® to Combat Opioid Crisis

More than 1,900 officers from 30 suburban Cook County police departments, Cook County Sheriff's Department and Cook County Forest Preserve Police will soon be equipped to administer Narcan^®when they encounter someone overdosing from opioids, thanks to a collaboration between Loyola Medicine and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Narcan^® counteracts the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose.

Planning that Could Save Your Life: Winter Weather Survival Kits 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 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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Fall back safely: Change your clock and check your smoke detectors

Every year, families are devasted by residential fires. As you set your clocks back one hour this weekend, please take a minute to do two simple things that can potentially save lives: change the batteries in the smoke detectors in your home and check to make sure that they are in good working order. If you don’t have smoke detectors, please go out and purchase them. They are a cost effective way to keep your family safe.

Cook County to Host Preparedness Fair at Daley Plaza

WHAT: 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 manmade or natural. As part of National Preparedness Month, DHSEM is hosting a preparedness fair at Daley Plaza.

Preckwinkle Taps William Barnes Jr. for Cook County's Top Homeland Security Post

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced the appointment of William M. Barnes Jr. as Executive Director of the County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM).

Barnes has a lengthy background as a manager, administrator and attorney in private practice. Most recently he was General Counsel at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He served in a similar capacity with the Illinois Department of Corrections and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

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.

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