Emergency Communications Capability

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Team uses multiple forms of communication to address activities whether preparing for or responding to an emergency in the City. Although most communications are between departmental staff, supporting city agencies or healthcare system partners, selection of the type or form of communication may vary based upon usability, reliability, or security needed for the incident.

The following are the communications mechanisms we use most often:

Web-Based Services:

Used as a public and private/restricted site for posting information, the HAN provides CDPH with one-way alert broadcast type communications or two-way messaging type communications. The Chicago Health Alert Network is primarily used for secure communications with response partners before, during and after emergencies.

Traditional Telephone Service:

Land-line or mobile/cellular devices are used for communicating between the public, departmental staff, city agencies and healthcare partners. 311 or special designated numbers may also be used for information inquiry or dissemination.

Radio Communication:

For staff, supporting city agency or healthcare partner communication, radios are available and used, as appropriate, for two-way, group or backup communication as needed.