Special Report -- Oak park, Illinois

Welcome to the Emergency Preparedness section of the Village of Oak Park web site. This page provides information on how the Village has prepared for an emergency. The page also offers useful links to other organizations, including state and federal government agencies that might become involved in an emergency if the necessary response exceeds local capabilities or resources.

Recent events have made emergency preparedness a new priority in many communities across America. But preparing for an emergency that could affect large sections of the community is not new in Oak Park. Because of our location along a major interstate highway and high-traffic railway, Oak Park has long been prepared for emergencies that could create major disruptions for residents. Trucks and trains hauling potentially dangerous materials routinely pass through the community. In addition, these same transportation lines could experience major accidents that, while not involving hazardous materials, still would require the mobilization of large numbers of emergency medical personnel, evacuation of entire sections of the community and extensive traffic control initiatives. Even the potential problems created by a break in a municipal natural gas line has long been a part of Oak Park's emergency response training and has given emergency response personnel extensive experience in dealing effectively with potentially dangerous situations.

Oak Park's emergency preparedness plans include support from several departments within municipal government. The Fire Department, Police Department and Department of Public Health lead the effort. The Fire Department typically is the first responder to an emergency, providing medical care and transport to the injured. The Police Department provides situation control, such as traffic and evacuation guidance if needed, and often is the lead investigative arm, especially if foul play is suspected. The role of the Department of Public Health depends greatly on the nature of the emergency, but might include situation evaluation, response guidance in matters of public health and orchestration of the community's medical resources, such as hospitals and medical staff.

Oak Park's Department of Public Health was among the first public health organizations to create a bioterrorism plan. This plan, first written in 2002, included input from many organizations, including area hospitals and senior fire and police personnel, and has become a model for other similar-sized communities across the country. The Oak Park Department of Public Health also serves has a housing agency for our local Medical Reserve Corps Unit, which is one of more than700 units operating nationwide supported through the Office of the Surgeon General. This unit is comprised of volunteers, medical and non-medical, who are prepared to assist and respond in the event of an emergency. Responsibilities of volunteers include logistical planning, records keeping, and assisting in public health awareness campaigns. To learn more about the MRC or to volunteer, call 358.5488 or e-mail the Department of Public Health .

When it comes to emergency preparedness and response, Oak Park actually is part of a larger network of responders. The Village works closely with the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the federal government to orchestrate efforts and use resources in the most effective ways. Communications channels are open and networks well established to allow the Village to take advantage of the expertise, experience and resources of all of these responders, including the new federal Department of Homeland Security. Should an emergency situation occur, this network will be immediately activated.

What can individual residents do to prepare for an emergency? Visit the links along the right column of this page. That's a good start. In the meantime, rest assured that the Village's public safety and health officials have plans for how best to deal with unexpected events. For a recorded update and important contact information, call the Village at 708.358.5600.

Useful Information

Important Links