Chicago City Wire

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) in Chicago is urging residents to remain alert and prioritize safety during a weekend filled with events across the city. OEMC will oversee activities from its Operations Center, working with public safety partners to coordinate resources as necessary.

"Report Suspicious Activity: If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities."

Residents and visitors are encouraged to use the Chicago OEMC app for alerts, safety tips, weather updates, street closures, and event details. The app can be downloaded from Apple App Store and Google Play or accessed at Chicago.gov/OEMC.

Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will assist at major events throughout the weekend. Among the scheduled events are:

- The 96th Annual Bud Billiken Parade in Bronzeville on Saturday, August 9.

- Northalsted Market Days festival running Friday through Sunday in the Northalsted/Lakeview neighborhood.

- Taste of Chicago in Albany Park on Saturday.

- Sabor Taco & Tequila Fest in Pilsen over three days.

- Printer’s Row Art Fest taking place both Saturday and Sunday.

- Navy Pier Fireworks show on Saturday night.

- Pakistan Independence Day Parade on Sunday along Devon Avenue.

- The Chicago Bears preseason game against Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field on Sunday.

For detailed information about these events, including times and locations, residents can visit official event websites such as BudBillikenparade.org for parade details or northalsted.com/main-events/northalsted-market-days/ for Market Days specifics.

To help with emergencies along Grant Park and the lakefront areas, residents should note numbered pole markers installed throughout these zones. These identifiers help first responders locate callers quickly if 9-1-1 is dialed.

OEMC recommends using public transportation due to increased traffic expected near large-scale events. Both CTA and Metra will offer additional service; further information is available at TransitChicago.com and Metra.com.

Weather conditions will be monitored closely by OEMC in cooperation with other agencies. Attendees are advised to check forecasts before heading out and follow any instructions from officials.

"OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies."

The OEMC provides emergency preparedness information through its website at Chicago.gov/OEMC as well as updates via social media platforms including Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC), Instagram (chicago_oemc_911), Bluesky (@chicagooemc.bsky.social), and Threads (@chicago_oemc_911).

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications manages emergency response functions for Chicago including 9-1-1 call-taking, dispatch services, traffic management, and coordination with multiple agencies. In 2025 it marks three decades serving city residents around-the-clock.