City of North Chicago Emergency Preparedness
Being prepared for an emergency is a shared responsibility. The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. By taking a few simple steps now, you can protect yourself, your family, and your property.
- GET A KIT
Assemble an emergency kit with enough supplies to last your household for several days. Store it in an easily accessible location.
YOUR EMERGENCY KIT SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Water: One gallon per person per day for several days.
- Food: A several-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First-aid kit.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert is recommended).
- Medications and other special need items.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Important documents (copies of insurance policies, ID, etc.).
For a full checklist and guidance on specific needs, visit the federal government's Ready.gov Build A Kit page.
- MAKE A PLAN
Discuss potential emergencies with your family or household members and plan what to do in different situations.
Communication Plan: Determine how you will communicate if traditional phone lines are down. Designate an out-of-area contact person.
Meeting Places: Pick two meeting places: one immediately outside your home for sudden emergencies (like a fire) and one outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.
Evacuation Routes: Plan and practice your evacuation routes. Plot alternate routes in case roads are impassable.
Special Needs: Consider the specific needs of children, older adults, pets, and those with disabilities or access and functional needs when developing your plan.
Use the Ready.gov Make a Plan tools to create your personalized plan.
- STAY INFORMED
Know your local hazards and how to receive official emergency information and warnings.
Sign up for Municipal Alerts: Register for North Chicago's official emergency notification system to receive alerts via text message, email, and phone calls.
Sign up HERE!
Monitor Local Media: Tune into local TV and radio stations for updates from emergency management officials.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Ensure your mobile device is enabled to receive geographically targeted emergency alerts, which are a free service from authorized government officials.
Follow on social media: Get additional updates by following [Link to your municipality's official social media page(s)] on social media.
For more general information on preparing for various hazards, please explore resources from the American Red Cross and Ready.gov.