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We're Just a Few Key Strokes Away: Cook County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Launches New Site and Twitter Handle

Cook County residents now have access to safety and preparedness information geared specifically for them. The County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) has launched its new website and Twitter handle to provide residents with the most up-to-date alerts and give them the tools they need to plan for their families’ safety in a variety of emergencies.

Cooling Centers Open Across Cook County During Excessive Heat Watch

Temperatures in Cook County are expected to rise into the 90s for much of the week. Add in high humidity and the heat index could climb over 100 degrees in the coming days. The County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reminds residents to take extra precautions during this heat wave.

Safety Tips for Severe Weather

Today’s storms have the potential of producing lightening, high winds, hail and even tornadoes. Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe.

Lightning:

City of Chicago and Cook County Ask Residents 'If You See Something, Say Something’ to Help Prevent Terrorist Attacks

The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) are asking residents to be vigilant in light of the terrorist attack in Orlando. Both departments are stressing 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.

City of Chicago and Cook County Remind Residents 'If You See Something, Say Something' in Advance of Holiday Weekend

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 Memorial Day weekend. Both departments are stressing 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.

2016 Nonprofit Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Grant Program Application Period Now Open for Eligible Organizations

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourage nonprofit organizations that are at high risk for terrorist attacks to apply for UASI grant funding made available for security enhancements.

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:

Recommended items:

· A shovel

President Preckwinkle Appoints New Executive Director for County's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

President Toni Preckwinkle announced today the appointment of Ernest Brown to the post of executive director of the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). Brown brings more than three decades of public safety, community outreach and leadership experience, including roles as the Darien Police Chief and Deputy Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

Cook County to Receive Almost $26.5 Million for Anti-Terrorism Programs

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced today that the County will receive close to $26.5 Million in federal grant funds to assist with security programs that combat terrorism. The funds are distributed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and will be managed locally by the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM).

Cook County and City of Chicago Launch "If You See Something, Say Something" Campaign

The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) have teamed up with the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to launch the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign to alert local residents to the critical role they play in helping to keep the community safe.

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