OEMC, city agencies teaming up for disaster preparedness training at Chicago houses of worship

CHICAGO — Prepare, prepare, prepare.

That’s the message Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is helping faith-based leaders spread over the next several days.

OEMC is teaming up with several city agencies, including the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Department of Public Health, for disaster preparedness training at various houses of worship through next week Thursday, Oct. 10.

The workshops are geared toward security personnel or the emergency response coordinator from each participating house of worship, the city says.

“Throughout the year, OEMC collaborates with CPD and other city agencies on exercises to ensure that the city is prepared to respond to a variety of emergencies and disasters,” Jose Tirado, OEMC Executive Director, said in a news release. “This workshop series will build upon our preparedness efforts, providing these houses of worship with critical training to better respond to various potential emergency scenarios.”

This Thursday’s half-day workshop took place inside Park Community Church Near North, 1001 North Crosby Street in River North. Faith-based leaders learned more about OEMC’s role in emergency situations and received education about apps like Smart911, which allows users to share valuable information with 911 during a crisis.

Thursday’s training also included lessons on what to do if severe weather strikes, how to respond if there is an active shooter, and how to treat someone who needs help because of heavy bleeding.

“It’s all about being proactive, to serve both our attenders, but also the community at large,” says Ryan Hutton, director of facilities for Park Community Church Near North. “How can we love them, protect them, serve them, and how can we prevent evil in the communities?”

Click HERE to learn more about the disaster preparedness training, including a schedule and locations, on the OEMC website.

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