The City of Evanston has the potential for hazards; natural (earthquakes, severe weather, floods tornado etc.) and threats; man-made (cyber-attacks, acts of terrorism etc.).  It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when you will face one of these emergencies.

Planning for emergencies ahead of time will help you be better prepared to deal with the emergency when it happens.  What kind of emergencies can you face where you live, where you work, where you go to school, where you go for fun?  Where will you or your family be when the emergency happens?  Sit down as a family and talk about these things.  Have a game plan ahead of time.

Emergencies and disasters can strike quickly, without warning and can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. Also, what would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones – were cut off?  Visit our power outages page to find out more information of what to do in case of  power outages.

Sign up for the City of Evanston Emergency Alerts and Warnings

Used by various communities to get citizens’ attention in time of threatened or impending natural disaster, such as tornado or other emergency situation. The signal is a steady siren blast for three to five minutes. Warnings of natural disaster, which affect Evanston are also transmitted over radio, local and cable television. 

Public Warning “Take Cover” Signal:

In the event of an enemy attack upon the United States, Evanston citizens will be alerted by this signal which is a three-minute wavering or intermittent siren blast.  What do the siren signals sound like:

• Alert [MP3, 292KB, 1:00 - 1 min]

• Attack [MP3, 295KB, 1:00 - 1 min]

Note: Audio files are produced in MP3 format. You will need to use a media player to play the files.

Snow Alerts:

The City of Evanston sounds it's sirens in the event of a declared snow alert. Evanston sirens sound 15 minutes after certain hours for:

• Snow Emergencies:  7:15 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. on days of even/odd side street parking bans.
• Snow Parking Bans:  8:15 p.m.. for main thoroughfare parking bans.

The Village of Skokie sounds their sirens on the hour for various snow parking bans.  Please keep this in mind as many Evanston neighborhoods can hear Skokie's sirens.

More about snow parking bans at www.cityofevanston.org/snow.

Siren Tests:

Sirens can also be heard during a test of the Outdoor Warning Systems on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. They consist of one minute “alert” signal (continuous siren blast), one minute of silence and one minute of “take cover” signal (wavering siren).

All warning broadcasts mean an emergency situation is imminent. In this eventuality, take a portable radio and seek pre-designated shelter. All watches indicate elements are developing that may result in an emergency situation. Radio broadcasts are the best method to keep abreast of such a situation.

Do not use the telephone when a siren is sounding. Do not use the telephone to obtain further information or advice about the emergency. Depend on radio and television for information; government agencies will broadcast all available information.

 Emergencies happen when we don't expect them, don't wait until it's too late!  Make an emergency plan to protect yourself and your family in time of an emergency. Emergencies can happen quickly and without warning and many times happen when you are not together with your family.  Having a plan, in advance that everyone in your family is aware of and understands will help reduce some of the stress following an emergency occurring. 

 You can begin this process by having a family meeting and making sure each person is well-informed on potential hazards that can occur locally.  Discuss with them what each family member should do during an emergency and immediately following.

Additionally, your family plan should address the following: 

1.  What is your shelter plan?                                                                                                                      

2.  What is your evacuation route?                                                                                                                                   

3.  What is your family/household communication plan/reunification plan?                          

4.  What is your plan for your pet?

5. Remind yourself to update your Emergency Preparedness Plan!

6.  Haga Un Plan (Ready.gov, Spanish version: Make a Plan) 

Don't wait, make your plan today!