Emergency Management

Department Structure

The Department of Fire and EMS coordinates many of the activities that plan for the mitigation, response to, and recovery from any emergency that might affect the village and its citizens. The Director of Fire and Emergency Medical Services serves as the Director of Emergency Management.

Emergency Management Team

The Director, the Deputy Chief, and an appointed Director of Planning and Preparedness are regular members of the Village Emergency Management Team. In a major emergency affecting the Village, the team, which includes members from all departments, is assembled in the Village’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the lower level of Village Hall to execute emergency management operations during the crisis.

Emergency Alerts

Rave Alert/Smart 9-1-1 System

The Rave Alert/Smart 9-1-1 system gives personnel the ability to deliver prerecorded emergency or critical community alerts to targeted areas or the entire Village, or particular areas or neighborhoods. Messages can be issued by phone, text, or email, depending on the resident's preference.

Residents are urged to register for the alert system If you have moved or changed phone numbers, please update your information in the system. Additional phone numbers can also be added and the alert will go to both numbers.

For more information on the Rave Alert/Smart 9-1-1 system, please contact the Lyons Township Area Communication Center (LTACC) at 708-352-2059. If you'd like a paper copy of the registration forms, or require assistance to register online, call Village Hall at 708-246-1800.

Outdoor Warning Sirens

LTACC controls activation of the Village's tornado sirens and activation is based on a set of established criteria. Sirens are located at:

  • Forest Hills School at 5020 Central Avenue
  • Western Springs Fire Department at 4353 Wolf Road
  • Shopping area at 55th Street and Wolf Road

Sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 am

Emergency Media

In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to monitor the local television and radio stations. If you have a weather radio, you can monitor the NOAA National Weather Service at 162.55MZ. Information will also be posted on the Village website and social media, and relayed through the community notification system, Rave Alert.