The City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is celebrating National 9-1-1 Education Month to honor the outstanding contributions of the City’s 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers. Additionally, OEMC will celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12-18 and will hold the annual employee Awards Ceremony on April 16. Whether it’s providing lifesaving CPR instructions, texting crime victims who are unable to talk to provide first responders with needed details; or coordinating public safety and traffic for large events, OEMC works behind the scenes to ensure the safety of Chicago residents and visitors. OEMC is also reminding Chicagoans to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. When calling 9-1-1, you should always remember the 5 W’s:

What’s happening or what type of service do you need?

Where is your location? Be as specific as possible and provide an exact address, intersection or provide a landmark.

Who are the offenders, can you provide a description? Are you the victim or someone else?

When did the event occur or is it happening now?

Weapons – are there weapons involved and what is it? A gun, knife, bat, brick, etc.

Photo Credit: City of Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC)