Curious Chicago Kids: How can I stay safe during emergencies?

From winter storms and extreme heat to severe weather and transit disruptions, emergencies in Chicago can unfold quickly and knowing how to prepare can make all the difference. Whether you’re navigating a power outage in January or a heat advisory in July, city officials urge residents to have a plan, stay informed and know where to turn for help.

Here’s what Chicagoans should know about emergency preparedness, the resources available across the city, and simple steps families can take to stay safe year-round.

Welcome to Chicago Curious Kids, your guide to what parents should know about life in the city. From schools and parks to policy updates, family events and hidden gems, we dig into the details that help you navigate parenting in the Windy City — smarter, easier and a little more connected. Curious about something? Send your questions, comments or thoughts on what we should cover next to david@chicagoparent.com.

Flooding

There are multiple ways to protect your home from the effects of flooding, such as elevating different objects and surfaces, putting valves on sewer traps, reinforcing, barricading and waterproofing the property and making sure higher ground with essential resources like food and water are accessible. Pay attention to flash flood warnings and follow all instructions given to you. 

If a flood occurs, grab your essentials and get to higher ground as soon as possible. If you get wet, or water gets in the house, stay away from electrical devices. If you are instructed to turn off water valves and switches, do so immediately. If instructed to evacuate, do so immediately or as soon as you are able. 

Do not walk through moving whatever, especially if it is six inches or higher, and do not drive through the water either. If your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down during evacuation, exit it immediately and seek other means of transportation to stay ahead of the flood. Stay away from flooding or receding waters, fallen power lines, damaged sewage systems and anything else that might have water damage. Do not return home until told that it is safe to do so.

Sign up for extreme weather alerts at to stay on top of important information at https://www.smart911.com.

Fire

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chicago Transit Authority (@chicagocta)

House fires can happen for different reasons. They can be natural, electrical or chemical in nature.

Preventative measures:

• Keep one or more fire extinguishers in your home.
• Keep smoke detectors in every room. Smoke detectors should be kept clean, have their batteries changed when necessary and replaced when they get too old.
• Never leave flames of any kind unattended.
• Practice basic kitchen safety while cooking hot food. 

Families should also have a clear plan in case a fire occurs. Designated exits, outdoor meeting places and any tools that make it easier to get to then are a must. Practicing a safety plan will help the process go faster.

If a fire occurs in the home and you are unable to put it out yourself, leave the house immediately through designated exits. If you catch on fire, you should stop, drop and roll to put out the fire. If you get trapped inside the house, wave a brightly-colored cloth out the window to signal for help. Call the fire department once you are outside. Do not enter the house again until it is safe to do so.

Severe Weather

Severe weather comes in many forms and is extremely common in Illinois. While there is no way to prevent severe weather, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself and your family safe.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can cause power outages, floods, property damage and all kinds of injuries. It is important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and take severe thunderstorm watches and warnings seriously. Follow any instructions you receive, including instructions to shelter in place, disconnect devices or evacuate your home.

During a severe storm, get inside as soon as possible and stay away from plumbing, electrical and metal devices. If you are outside, stay away from water and trees. During and after the storm, if you see flood damage of any kind, stay away from it and call 311 to report it.

To stay up-to-date on power outages in your area, or others, visit https://www.comed.com/.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes often occur during thunderstorms and can come in different sizes. You and your family can prepare for tornadoes by having a plan in place. Know where the nearest shelter is, have your home reinforced, if possible and listen for Tornado Watches and Tornado Warnings on the weather forecast. Follow any instructions you are given and don’t stop doing so until a warning has passed. Tornado watch means to start getting prepared. Tornado warning means to take cover immediately. 

Tornado sirens will sound during a tornado warning. Once you hear the sirens, make your way inside to the nearest tornado shelter as quickly as possible. Walking or driving outside is extremely dangerous. Tornado shelters include basements, storm cellars and other designated safe rooms located below ground.

If you are not close enough to home, go to the shelter in your place of work, school or any other nearby facility or business. Stay away from windows, wide open spaces and debris. If you are stuck outside and too far away from any secure building, get yourself to lower ground, like a ditch, and cover your head. If you are in a vehicle, leave it if you can. If you cannot, get down on the floor and cover your head. 

Once the storm is over, call for help if you or someone else is injured, or if you have property damage.

Blizzards

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chicago Transit Authority (@chicagocta)

Blizzards can cause lots of damage to both people and property due to heavy snowfall, ice, poor visibility on the road, cold temperatures and fierce winds. It is important to pay attention to Winter Weather Advisories, Winter Storm Watches, Winter Storm, Blizzard and Frost Warnings.

To keep safe and warm during a snowstorm, blizzard or period of extreme cold, make sure you have enough essential supplies like heat sources/equipment and emergency kits available to you. If you are able to, insulate your home, cover your windows, melt ice with rock salt and stay inside as much as possible.

While you can take safety measures to protect yourself on the road, it is important to avoid driving as much as possible during a blizzard. If you are unable to get home, or if your home sustains damage from the storm, make your way to the nearest warming center.

Warming, safety and other resource centers in Chicago

There are 284 designated locations throughout the city that are used as warming centers and shelters. Chicagoans can call 311 or download the CHI311 app to find the location closest to them. 

DFSS Warming Centers

• Englewood Community Service Center, 1140 W. 79th S
• Garfield Community Service Center, 10 S. Kedzie
• King Community Service Center, 4314 S. Cottage Grove
• North Area Community Service Center, 845 W. Wilson Ave.
• South Chicago Community Service Center, 8650 S. Commercial Ave.
• Trina Davila Community Service Center, 434312 W. North Ave.

In the suburbs, people can contact police non-emergency numbers to ask about warming centers, many of which are housed in police station lobbies and libraries. To find a warming center statewide, see www.keepwarm.illinois.gov.

Numbers to Call

• For all life-threatening emergencies, call 911
• For non-emergency services and shelter, call 311
• For gas leaks, call either 911 or Peoples Gas at 866-556-6002
• For power outages, call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661)
• For water issues, call the Department of Water Management at (312) 744-4420
• For social services, such as food, housing, childcare and more, call 211
• For disaster aid, call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Callers who are speech or hearing impaired should call 1-800-462-7585  for disaster aid.