The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), along with the Chicago Police Department, Chicago Fire Department, and other agencies, is preparing for public visitation events honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson on Thursday, February 26 and Friday, February 27. The events will take place at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Additional information about funeral services scheduled for March 6 and March 7 will be provided later.
To ensure safety during the visitations, OEMC and the police will monitor activities across the city and coordinate resources as needed. Street closures around the event site will occur intermittently from 5:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. on both days. Traffic Control Aides will help manage congestion. People traveling in affected areas are advised to allow extra time due to expected traffic, public transportation delays, and pedestrian impacts.
Parking near the event is very limited; attendees are encouraged to use public transportation options such as CTA or Metra for easier access.
OEMC reminds attendees to stay alert during large gatherings and report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1. “If You See Something, Say Something” is a national campaign encouraging people to notify law enforcement of anything unusual.
Residents and visitors can download the Chicago OEMC App for emergency alerts, preparedness tips, weather updates, and other safety information. More details about emergency preparedness are available on the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC.
According to its official website, OEMC enhances community resilience through education programs and severe weather preparedness initiatives (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html). The agency also protects life and property by managing incidents, coordinating events, operating communication systems, and providing technological support (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html). It maintains an all-hazard alert warning system with a single audible tone for emergencies (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html) and manages operations citywide during major events (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html).
OEMC works closely with federal partners like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and state agencies such as the Illinois Emergency Management Agency for coordinated responses (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html). Its services include emergency response via 9-1-1 calls, non-emergency support through 3-1-1 lines, traffic management, and community preparedness programs (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html). The organization oversees public safety communications to protect residents during emergencies while promoting resilience through training resources (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html).
For further updates on street closures or emergencies related to these events or others in Chicago, residents are encouraged to follow OEMC’s social media channels.
