From The Chicago Office Of Emergency Management And Communication

Large Crowds Expected on Sunday, June 30 for the Chicago Pride Parade and Events Citywide

OEMC Encourages Chicagoans to Stay Vigilant and Report Suspicious Activity by Calling 9-1-1 

The 53rd Chicago Pride Parade marches through the city’s North Halsted, Lakeview, Uptown and Lincoln Park neighborhoods on Sunday, June 30 with a new route and start time at 11 a.m., bringing crowds, street closures and increased traffic in the area. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents, spectators, and motorists to be aware of the street closures, traffic restrictions and additional crowds in the area and to plan accordingly.

For all events this weekend, the City of Chicago will have citywide deployments to ensure the safety and security of the public. The OEMC will monitor weekend events and weather conditions citywide, activating the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate public safety resources with critical stakeholders. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at select events citywide to direct flow and impacts from increased traffic.

Suspicious Activity:  If You See Something, Say Something. The city reminds the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, notify onsite security or call 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something™ is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. 

Excessive Heat is expected this weekend with forecasted temperatures in the upper 80s on Saturday and lower 70s on Sunday. When the temperatures climb to extreme levels, it’s important to check on relatives, neighbors, seniors, and our vulnerable population. If you are unable to make contact, you can request a wellbeing check by downloading the CHI311 app, visiting 311.chicago.gov, or calling 3-1-1. If there is a medical emergency due to a heat related illness, call 9-1-1. Remember to stay hydrated and seek shade if you are attending one of the many weekend events. 

Chicago Pride Parade – Lakeview/Uptown

Sunday, June 30, 11 a.m.

The Pride Parade has a new route and start time, stepping off at 11 a.m. at Sheridan and Broadway and will proceed south on Halsted; east on Belmont; south on Broadway and east on Diversey to Sheridan for disbanding. For complete details on the parade, street closures and more, visit FAQ | Chicago Pride Parade | PRIDEChicago

Street Closures:  Residents, attendees and participants should anticipate street closures as early as 7:30 a.m. for participant staging areas and parade route closures beginning as early as 8:30 a.m., or as the crowd dictates for safety issues, including Irving Park and Wellington at Broadway and Addison, Grace, and Roscoe at Halsted. Streets are expected to fully reopen by 4 p.m. or when deemed safe to do so.

Pedestrian Crossings:  Safely cross the event at the following locations:

• Irving Park/Broadway
• Grace/Halsted
• Addison/Halsted
• Cornelia/Halsted
• Buckingham/Halsted
• Briar/Broadway
• Wellington/Broadway

Parking Restrictions:

Public transportation is highly recommended. Parking restrictions in the area, which will be in effect and strictly enforced, will begin at 2:00 a.m. Sunday morning for the assembly area at Sheridan and Broadway and the parade route. Parking restrictions will be in effect throughout the area, so drivers are urged to read signage before parking. To locate a towed vehicle, call 3-1-1. 

Pole Markers:  Know Your Location. Get lost in the fun, not in the crowds. Temporary pole identifiers are visible from light poles throughout the parade route to mark the location. Lost? Injured? Witness criminal or suspicious activity? Don’t know your location in the crowd? Look up for the black signs with white lettering. Call 9-1-1 to give the letter-number combinations on the pole nearest to your location to help first responders locate you as quickly as possible. You can also use the identifiers to let friends and family know where you are if you become separated at the event.

Safety Measures:  Although there is no actionable intelligence at this time, each year Chicago’s public safety departments along with parade organizers adjust the already robust security measures to ensure the safety of personnel, participants, spectators, residents, and all those in the area. CPD will be along the route securing the parade and protecting all those celebrating. OEMC has continued to coordinate safety efforts with law enforcement partners on the comprehensive safety plan, which includes the following measures:

• Implementing designated pedestrian street crossings.
• Displaying pole marker signs along the route to identify the location when calling 9-1-1. These black and white signs are located at the top of the street light poles with letters/numbers to identify the location.
• Increasing the presence of uniformed and plainclothes police officers.
• Enhancing capabilities of forward command utilizing assets from state and federal partners.
• Activating OEMC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to enhance the Summer Operations Center. The EOC will be staffed by the City’s public safety and operations departments to monitor activities and support on-site staff.
• Placing barricades along the parade route for participant and attendee safety.
• Modifying the route over the last few years to alleviate crowd congestion.
• Establishing clearer routes for emergency responders to reach medical tents.
• Adding CTA bus and rail service to ease congestion on public transportation.
• Utilizing our robust camera system in the area.

As always, it is advised to check weather conditions and plan accordingly. Cooling buses, if needed, will be available at the following locations.

• Addison west of Halsted
• Roscoe east of Halsted
• Belmont east of Broadway
• Wilton north of Belmont
• Waveland between Broadway and Halsted
• Belmont westbound between Halsted and Clark (2 buses)

Other Weekend Events:

Rolling Stones at Soldier Field:  The Rolling Stones will perform at two evening shows on Thursday, June 27 and Sunday, June 30 at 8 p.m. For details, visit SoldierField.com.

Chicago White Sox v. Colorado Rockies at Guaranteed Rate Field:  White Sox host Colorado on Friday, June 28 at 6:10 p.m., Saturday, June 29 at 1:10 p.m. and Sunday, June 30 at 1:10 p.m. Residential Parking restrictions are in effect in the area. For details, visit mlb.com/whitesox.

Logan Square Arts Festival: Live music and art at the monument on Logan Square on Friday, June 28 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 from noon to 10 p.m. at the intersection of Logan Blvd, Kedzie, and Milwaukee Ave. LoganSquareArtsFestival.com.

Navy Pier Pride at Navy Pier: At 600 E. Grand Avenue (Navy Pier): Full day event of performances and events at the Pier on Saturday, June 29, noon -11 p.m. Fireworks are at 10 p.m. on Saturday. For complete details, visit  NavyPier.org

Public Transportation: As with any large–scale event, public transportation is encouraged and both CTA and Metra are providing additional service for the event. Public transit is the most affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to get to and from summertime events. For more information, visit TransitChicago.com and Metra.com 

Chicago OEMC App – Know Before You Head Out

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips this Summer, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, CHI Safe Walk, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current events and forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC. 

Weather and Public Safety:  OEMC will monitor events through a collaboration with public safety partners. OEMC advises Chicagoans to be aware of weather conditions and to follow instructions and heed all warnings from public safety officials. Residents are encouraged to check the weather before heading out. For the most up-to-date information, please tune into local media or download the Chicago OEMC app. 

OEMC issues alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org

• CHILAKE:For lakefront notices, TEXT “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
• CHIBIZ:For alerts affecting businesses, TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit the OEMC website at Chicago.gov/OEMC. Follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications on Facebook (@coemc), Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911). 

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About OEMC

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) oversees several functions that support public safety and aids residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The OEMC manages the following operational areas for the city: 9-1-1 call taking and dispatch; the 3-1-1 call center; emergency management; and traffic management. The OEMC coordinates with departments citywide, including the Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department, in addition to various other local, state, and federal agencies as it relates to public safety planning and coordination for everything from large-scale special events to public safety emergencies and disasters.