The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) Pole Marking / Location Identifier program was initiated in 2009 through a combined effort of various City agencies. Signs are posted on light poles in locations along the Chicago Lakefront, Grant Park, and South DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DuSable LSD)  where addresses may not be available.

•  The light poles in selected areas of the City are fitted with one (1) to three (3) aluminum powder-coated green signs  (color similar to a Chicago street sign) with white characters listed vertically.
• Letter and number combinations are used to identify locations
  • For instance, a sign listing the characters ‘M300’ would be located at 300 E. Monroe St., and ‘LSD5132S would be at 5132 S. DuSable  LSD. 
• This signage serves as a visual aid for the purposes of location identification by either a citizen or a first responder.
• This pole number information has also been entered into the 911’s computer-aided dispatch system (CAD) which allows OEMC call takers and dispatchers to automatically associate each location with an approximate address or location.
• It allows for an even more expeditious response by emergency personnel to incidents during the various events held throughout the year.
• Four sites are marked:
  • Grant Park
    •  This area includes the streets bounded by:
      • Columbus Dr.– Roosevelt Rd. to Randolph St.
      • Balbo – Michigan Ave.  to DuSable LSD
      • Ida B. Wells – Michigan to Columbus
      • Jackson – Michigan to DuSable LSD
      • Monroe – Michigan to DuSable LSD
  • Lakefront – Two (2) Sites
    •Area on the lakefront path from Oak St. to Fullerton Ave.
    •Area on the lakefront and inner path from Montrose Ave. to Foster Ave. This also includes the Montrose Harbor Area (this location includes two beach towers that have been marked)
  • DuSable Lake Shore Drive – 6600 South to 5700 North
    •Light poles on the drive are marked
•  This signage is utilized for various events such as the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, The Chicago Marathon, and the Air and Water Show and has proven to be an essential component to public safety plans.
• Seventeen (17) naming labels are used for the pole marking/location identifiers.