Best Resources For Emergency Preparedness In Chicago
<emBy Jessica Cage
With seasons shifting and the changes in the climate that are getting harder and harder to ignore, a lot of people will find themselves looking for ways to prepare for any curve ball nature may be getting ready to throw. If you are a true Chicagoan, you are no stranger to cold and may very well be already prepped and ready for the blizzards and possible freeze outs that may accompany this year's winter. What you may not be thinking of are the possibilities for other untimely and unexpected events. Hurricane Sandy proved to us that there is no way of knowing what will come as it tore through areas that had no idea how to confront it. Take the time now to find your local resources in case your area is hit by an unexpected natural occurrence.
Emergency Management & Communications
City Hall
121 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 746-9111
www.cityofchicago.org
When searching for safety tips and up-to-date information for you local area, the best place to start is the local Emergency Management & Communications services. Located downtown inside of City Hall is where you will find information on recent news and predictions as well as a list of resources to help you and your family stay safe. Information is provided on what to do before, during and after an emergency situation. You can even sign up to receive alerts from NotifyChicago.
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese for Chicago - Emergency Assistance Department
721 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 655-7500
www.catholiccharities.net
The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese for Chicago provides emergency assistance services for the local Chicago area. Most urgent needs will be met in the case of a natural disaster including emergency financial assistance, food pantries at six regional locations and even clothing. In the event of an emergency, you will be provided with a temporary case manager that will help with regaining stability for you and your loved ones.
Ready Illinois
www.illinois.gov
Ready Illinois is another great source for tips and information on what to do in the event of an emergency situation. Visit this website for advice on how to plan and prepare your family for the unknown. You may be unsure of what hazards to watch out for or how to create your own emergency kits for your home, vehicle and office. This site addresses all of these concerns and also provides a basic family plan as well as services that you can chose to volunteer for in case you are not affected but others are.
Life Secure - Emergency Solutions
Northbrook, IL 60062
(877) 877-5522
www.lifesecure.com
Life Secure offers emergency and survival kits and supplies. All kits meet the U.S. Government guidelines and are not only innovative but easy to use. These kits are suggested for persons in areas that are usually hit with the harder weather. They are lines with reflectors and LED lights for added safety and are packed with all the supplies needed in case of fires, earthquakes, tornadoes or any other emergency imaginable. Choose from one of many kits from the 3-Day Basic Emergency Kits to the Extreme Ride-Along Car Emergency Kit.
Citywide CPR
1 S. Franklin St.
Chicago, IL 60606
(866) 757-5453
www.citywidecpr.com
In case of an emergency, you will want to be completely prepared. Kits and lists of tips on how to prepare are useful, but an actual skill can be priceless. For over 20 years, Citywide CPR has been providing its services to insure that people are capable to handle a situation that can be a matter of life and death. Classes are offered in the Chicagoland and the outlying suburban areas. You can even sign up for onsite training and have Citywide professionals come to you. This way you can make sure that your entire family or your entire job has the knowledge necessary to save a life.
Jessica Cage is a freelance writer from Chicago. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
