The Business Affairs and Consume Protection – City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest.
Here are a few steps you can take to proactively prepare for activity in your community:
The Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC) has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today in a citywide effort to monitor activity and crowds and coordinate responses.
The Chicago Police Department has also increased its patrol beyond its regular deployments.
While the Department is focused on crime fighting prevention efforts, officers will continue to ensure residents expressing their First Amendment rights are protected and given the public safety supports they need to stay safe.
Additionally, the City will deploy more than 60 infrastructure assets that will be strategically positioned by OEMC to support and protect neighborhood commercial corridors and critical businesses in the event of potential public safety incidents. In order to be prepared for potential activity, businesses should take the following steps:
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Sign up for ChiBiz Alerts by texting “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 or visiting chicago.gov/chibizalerts
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Join Chicago’s Public and Private Partnership Initiative (CP3) at preparedchicago.com
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Stay alert and call 9-1-1 if you witness suspicious activity
Additionally, please consider these options during times of potential demonstrations and activity:
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Move company vehicles indoors or to a safe place off of the premises during large demonstrations in your community
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Secure outdoor dining furniture to a permanent structure, or if space permits, move furniture indoors
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Remove any flammable materials or anything that could be used as a projectile from your premises and ensure sprinklers and water supply equipment are operational
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Consider enhanced security measures such as adding/supplementing security personnel, glass-break sensors and motion-sensing lighting
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Consider temporarily altering your business hours in the event of large demonstrations in your community.