About the OEMC

The Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) manages and operates the City's public safety communications systems that coordinate the response of police, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) resources to 911 calls. The OEMC operates a world-class voice and data radio system, giving police and fire personnel, on the street, valuable information to help them respond quickly to emergency situations.

The OEMC's Emergency Management Team acts as the coordinator for the City's efforts to develop, plan, analyze, implement and maintain programs for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The Emergency Management Team is also responsible for directing the activities of City departments and other agencies at disaster scenes.

The OEMC operates in a state-of-the-art 161,000 square foot facility located on the west side of Chicago.

Constructed in 1995, the 911 Center relies on an internal secure communications network with hundreds of miles of buried fiber optic and copper cable dedicated to providing 911 and 311 services.

What We Do

The responsibilities of the OEM are divided into five general areas:

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Risk Assessment works to determine the probability and after-effects of a terrorist attack. Vulnerabilities may include not only shortcomings in emergency plans and communication mechanisms, but also in construction and security systems. The OEM will work to reduce the number of vulnerabilities and protect at-risk facilities.

Mitigation involves actions taken that will decrease or eliminate the potential of a specific asset becoming a target, as well as decrease or eliminate the effects of an attack or disaster, should one occur. Mitigation measures can be applied to strengthen buildings against floods, earthquakes and other natural hazards, and can also be utilized to help businesses avoid damage to their facilities and remain operational.

Mitigation technologies can be used to strengthen hospitals and critical City service facilities so they can remain operational or reopen more quickly after an event. In addition, these measures can help reduce disaster losses.

Preparedness

Preparedness ensures that in the case of a disaster, emergency managers, as well as the public, are ready to respond safely and effectively. Emergency preparedness includes training and exercises, creating disaster supply kits, procuring adequate emergency equipment, and employing weather forecasting and early warning systems. The OEM maintains an asset inventory and all City departments must maintain thorough and up-to-date emergency plans and notification protocols.

Response

Response is the first phase of emergency management that occurs after the onset of a disaster. Response activities include emergency assistance for casualties, management of localized incidents, preliminary damage assessment, and addressing the psychological needs of victims and disaster relief workers. Emergency responders mobilize and position emergency equipment and evacuate areas as needed. They also arrange necessary food, water, shelter, and medical services.

Recovery

Recovery involves actions that are taken to return to a normal -or safer- situation following an emergency or disaster. These activities continue beyond the emergency period immediately following a disaster and include rebuilding homes, businesses and public facilities, clearing debris and repair roads and bridges, and restoring water, sewer and utility services. Activities may also include soliciting financial assistance to help pay for repairs.

Research, Planning & Development

OEM continuously researches and works with other local governments and emergency management agencies, regarding emergency preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery practices. By studying, mirroring, and improving upon the best practices in emergency management, throughout the United States and the world, Chicago's OEM can better protect the health and safety of its residents.

The Office seeks out local, state and federal funding opportunities for the City's preparedness and response measures, and works to develop new and/or review existing and proposed local, county, state, and federal legislation and ordinances that impact emergency management issues.