September is Emergency Preparedness Month. Make sure you’re ready for an emergency by following the recommendations below.
Sign up for Smart911. The Village uses the Smart911 emergency notification system to send alerts regarding severe weather and other public safety incidents, such as evacuation orders, water boil orders, and more. (As a bonus, you’ll also receive notifications when alternate-side parking regulations are in effect after heavy snow!)
Creating a Safety Profile with Smart911 allows you to include optional information on medical conditions, preferred medical providers, emergency contacts, pets and more that would be available to responders to help them better assist you in an emergency. This information will even be available when you’re traveling if the 911 center receiving your call participates in the Smart911 program.
Add your emergency contacts to the Illinois Secretary of State Emergency Contact Database. You can add up to two people to serve as your emergency contacts if you’re involved in a traffic crash or have a medical emergency where you cannot communicate with emergency responders. You can also add basic information on disabilities, medical conditions or special needs. Only law enforcement can access this information. Visit apps.ilsos.gov/eci.
Create an emergency supply kit. Having portable home and auto emergency supply kits with enough water, food, and medications for all family members is essential. Kits should also contain first aid items, phone numbers of emergency contacts, warm clothing and a small tools kit. Visit skokie.org or ready.gov/kit for a complete list of recommended items.
Several facilities in Skokie may be available as warming or cooling centers in the event of extreme temperatures, including the Skokie Public Library, Oakton Community Center, Weber Leisure Center, Devonshire Cultural Center, and Cook County Courthouse. Hours vary by location.
Learn more about emergency preparedness.