Media Advisory: City of Chicago July 3rd Fireworks Public Safety

July 2, 2021

The City of Chicago presents July 3rd Fireworks as a one-time-only event – presented as a celebration for Chicagoans whose diligence in following public health guidance has allowed City leaders to safely and fully re-open under Mayor Lightfoot’s “Open Chicago” initiative. The fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm and there will be a wide spectrum of viewing possibilities for the public. The fireworks display will be visible from multiple locations along the lakefront from Grand Avenue to the north and at least 55th Street to the south. As a reminder there will be no 4th of July fireworks at Navy Pier this year. 

The City’s top priority is the public safety of all residents and specific security measures have been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. 

The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) alongside the Summer Operations Center (SOC) on Saturday, July 3. The EOC will support citywide coordination of service requests, deployed assets and the overall collaboration efforts with local, state and federal agencies. 

Security Measures
Safety is always a primary concern and several security measures and restrictions will be strictly enforced by the Chicago Police Department along the lakefront and viewing areas between Grand Avenue on the north and 55th Street on the south. To enhance security, Museum Campus will be closed to the public at 7 p.m. due to activity at Soldier Field. 

Other Events on the Lakefront

There is a Chicago Fire v. Atlanta United game at Soldier Field beginning at 7 p.m. At the end of the game there will be a short firework display at 9:15 p.m. at Soldier Field 

Traffic Impacts/Street Closures
Streets and roadways may be impacted in the area from Grand Avenue on the north and 55th Street on the south. OEMC’s Traffic Control Aides and Chicago Police Department will be on site to ensure traffic flow. 

Chicago Park District Beaches and Harbors

On July 3 the 12th Street Beach will be closed to the public all day and all other beaches will remain open. Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Additionally, boaters at the Burnham and 31st Street Harbors can expect access to the lakefront to be significantly restricted after 4 p.m. Boaters are advised to adjust their plans accordingly. 

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. 

Pole Markers/Location Identifiers

We encourage residents along the lakefront to be aware of Pole Markers, the green and white signs affixed to street light poles with number location identifiers to help identify a location.  This signage aids in the response by emergency personnel to incidents. Pole markings are established within the boundaries of Roosevelt Rd. to Randolph St., Lake Shore Drive (LSD) to Michigan Avenue, Ida B Wells Dr to Michigan Ave to Columbus Dr, Jackson St to Michigan Ave, Monroe St to Columbus Dr, 3900 LSD to 6600 LSD. 

Public Transportation
As always, public transportation is encouraged if heading out to the lakefront. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit www.transitchicago.com or call 836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA.

OEMC will continue to monitor events throughout the summer through a collaboration with public safety partners. The public is encouraged to register for free Notify Chicago emergency alerts from the City of Chicago, which include traffic impacts severe weather notifications and emergencies.  Resident can sign up for Notify Chicago alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org.  

OEMC also issues TEXT alerts for lakefront notices and issues affecting businesses:

  • 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, Twitter (@ChicagoOEMC) and Instagram (chicago_oemc_911).   

 

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