Welcome to Protect DuPage
The ProtectDuPage.org website and its related social media accounts are your sources for official information from the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (OHSEM). The information is periodically updated and is geared towards preparing you to respond to and recover from emergencies or disasters. Connect with us by subscribing to our Twitter feed, Facebook account and YouTube account. If you do not use social media, we created the Social Media Feeds page for you to stay informed. We hope you enjoy these features and find it of value.
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) Information
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) is closely monitoring the worldwide outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). DCHD continues to update its resources and information on their website. We recommend you check regularly for the latest information. We also suggest you follow DCHD on Twitter @DuPageHD or Facebook @DuPageHealth.
Severe Weather Preparedness
Severe weather in our area generally means severe thunderstorms. Now when you hear the words “severe thunderstorm” in the forecast, be ready for more than just heavy rain and lightning. Severe thunderstorms can also bring hail, strong wind gusts, flash floods, and tornadoes. These storms could also cause power outages.
It’s important to be prepared and know what steps you will take when a disaster strikes.
One of the most important steps is to have multiple ways to receive warnings and alerts (e.g. internet, local TV and radio, Wireless Emergency Alerts and weather apps, outdoor sirens, NOAA Weather Alert Radio, from family, friends, and coworkers, FEMA App). Also, the Weather Watcher Page from the National Weather Service (NWS) Chicago Weather Forecast Office is a great resource for advanced information to allow you to prepare.
Severe weather can happen at any time and anywhere. Practice your emergency plans regularly so that everyone in your home or office knows what to do when a severe weather warning is issued. Be aware of severe weather plans no matter where you travel (e.g. shopping centers, place of worship, schools, theater, etc.).
View the below resources for tips and information pertaining to severe weather preparedness. Additional information is available on the emergency preparedness page of ProtectDuPage.org.
- List and map of cooling sites (cooling centers) in DuPage County. Please be sure to call a cooling center before going to one, as some are only open during emergencies, such as large-scale power outages.
- Protect Your Workers from Heat Stress
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Heat Stress
Winter Weather Preparedness
The DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management encourages residents to take steps to be prepared for winter weather. A great way to start preparing is to review this How to Prepare for a Winter Storm guidebook from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Keep in mind that during severe winter weather, there is also an increased likelihood of power outages. Review this Power Outage Checklist from the American Red Cross. Additionally, view a List and map of heating sites (warming centers) in DuPage County. Please be sure to call a warming center before going to one, as some are only open during emergencies, such as large-scale power outages.
Click below to view some videos from FEMA.
For additional tips, please view the resources below:
- List and map of heating sites (warming centers) in DuPage County. Please be sure to call a warming center before going to one, as some are only open during emergencies, such as large-scale power outages.
- Stay Safe in Cold Weather - National Institute for Aging
- Emergency Preparedness - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist for Business Owners - Small Business Administration
- Winter Weather Preparedness - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Weather.gov/Chicago - National Weather Service Website
- Mobile.Weather.gov - National Weather Service Website
- Winter Storm Checklist from American Red Cross
- Winter Storm Preparedness Guide - Illinois Emergency Management Agency
- GettingAroundIllinois.com - Search Transportation Data (e.g. winter road conditions, road construction, etc)
- NOAA Weather Alert Radio
Related Links
- American Red Cross of Greater Chicago
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- DuPage County Health Department
- Emergency School Closings
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- IRS - Disaster Assistance/Emergency Relief
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
- Ready.gov
- Salvation Army
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Traffic Information
- DuPage County Accidents
- Google Maps - Traffic
- Waze Live Map
- Getting Around Illinois
- IDOT Emergency Closure List
- Travel Midwest
