In cooperation with our cross-sector safety partners, Marksman Titan Security is monitoring the events around the City of Chicago’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing, set to be held on Saturday, March 15. The following activities around the celebration are listed below along with additional festivities to be held on Sunday March, 16.

Road Closures

Expect street closures as early as 8 a.m. including Columbus Drive from Roosevelt Road to Wacker Drive and east/west streets in those boundaries. Streets within the boundary of Monroe Street between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed. DuSable Lake Shore Drive or State Street can be used as an alternate route. For additional details, visit chicagostpatricksdayparade.org.

River Dyeing

The Chicago River will be dyed green beginning at 10 a.m. just west of the Columbus bridge to the east of Orleans before Wolf Point. During the dyeing of the river, bridges will be closed to spectators, however, the Columbus, LaSalle and Orleans bridges will remain open for vehicular/pedestrian traffic. The Chicago Riverwalk will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday, March 15, through the day on Saturday, March 16 until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 17. The river dyeing can be viewed along the river from Upper Wacker Drive.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 12:15 p.m. at Balbo and Columbus Drive proceeding north to Monroe Street.

Similar to previous years, the Chicago Police Department will have an increased police presence at all St. Patrick’s Day events across the city, including at the Chicago River Dyeing, the downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Northwest Side Irish Parade and the South Side Irish Parade. CPD has also been working with fellow City agencies and public safety partners to ensure sufficient resources are in place during these celebrations. Parade organizers and the city will be postured accordingly to ensure public safety to promote a family-friendly environment.

Entry to the parade route along Columbus begins at 11 a.m. and will only be permitted at Jackson and Ida B. Wells Drive (formerly Congress Drive) and all entry points will have security checkpoints where all purses and bags will be checked. Coolers, alcoholic beverages, camelbacks, or personal water bottles will not be permitted along the parade route.

Grant Park and Lakefront Poles Markers/Location Identifiers: For public safety on the lakefront, residents are reminded to be aware of the numbers attached to the poles throughout the Grant Park area and on DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 5700 North to 6600 South to help them reference their location along the lakefront and within the park if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. For more information, click here.

*We will provide any updates as information becomes available and/or changes regarding the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

Millennium Park Closures
The following areas of the Park will be closed to the public until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16:

• East/West Walkways
• Lurie Garden
• BP Bridge
• Cloud Gate
• North, South and Central Promenades
• Crown Fountain
• Wrigley Square
• North and South Boeing Galleries
• Jay Pritzker Pavilion; including the Great Lawn

The Millennium Hall Restaurant will open for business at 10:00 a.m. with tickets/reservations being required to enter.

Maggie Daley Park Closures
Partial closure of the park will start at 8:00 am and park will reopen at 3:00 pm or at the discretion of Chicago Police Department. 

Iron barricades and mesh fencing will be utilized to restrict access to closed areas in the park. After the River Dyeing, the families with children will have access to the parade and playground areas by walking southbound on the west side of the park. 

There will be restricted access to the playground. Children ages 12 and under, will be allowed into the playground at either the east or west entrances only with their parents or guardian. 

Chicago Riverwalk Closures
The Chicago Riverwalk will be closed from 11 p.m. on Friday, March 15, through the day on Saturday, March 16 until 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 17.  The river dyeing can be viewed along the river from Upper Wacker Drive.

Shammrock’n the Block Party, Saturday, March 15

Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 700 W Adams Street in Chicago will be holding their annual St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 15 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Old St. Pat’s Campus, 625 W. Adams (Entrance on Des Plaines St. between Adams & Jackson).

Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 15

The Archer Avenue parade steps off at noon at Archer Avenue and South Oak Park and proceeds east from Oak Park to Archer Merrimac. The parade is expected to conclude at 2 p.m.

South Side Irish Parade – Sunday, March 16

The South Side Irish Parade steps off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western Avenue. Parking restrictions in the area begin at 8 a.m. and will remain until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, but anyone parking in the area that day should read signage before parking. Expect parking restrictions on both sides of the street from 103rd to 112th Streets along Western Avenue. The staging area is located on Western Avenue from 99th to 103rd Streets and Bell to Maplewood Avenues. Street closures along the parade route as well as the staging area may begin as early as 7 a.m. The parade is expected to end at 4 p.m., the disbanding area is located on Western Avenue from 115th to 119th Streets. For additional details, visit southsideirishparade.org.

Northwest Side Irish Parade – Sunday, March 16

The parade steps off at noon at Onahan School, at 6634 W. Raven St. proceeding south on Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway and north to Harlem Avenue in the Norwood Park neighborhood. Northwest Highway will be closed to vehicles at 9am. Parking restrictions are in effect along the route beginning at 7 a.m. Both sides of the street on Neola, Raven, Northwest Highway, Normandy Avenue, Imlay, Neva, Palatine and Natoma along the route will be affected. For additional details, visit northwestsideirish.com.

Safety Tips Near Events

• If you see something suspicious, report it
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
• Utilize the buddy system
• Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
• Leave any valuables at home
• Do not jump any barricades
• Secure handbags and wallets
• Stay calm and pleasant
• Follow your own instincts
• Leave yourself room to move quickly

Motorists in the areas where events are happening should be prepared for increased traffic and possible reroutes. Street closures will be in effect for larger events to ensure public safety. Traffic Control Aides (TCAs) will be on hand at events citywide to direct flow and impacts from traffic. Public transportation is encouraged. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR- CTA.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

Marksman-Titan Security Group consistently maintains communication with our public sector partners to review active threats and resources.  In these unprecedented times it remains important to stay vigilant and if you see something, say something. Always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and report any criminal or suspicious activity immediately to your local law enforcement agency. Remaining vigilant and applying steps to keep yourself and those around you safe could be needed at any moment. As such with the domestic terrorist attack on the morning of January 1, 2025 in New Orleans which saw 15 fatalities and injured at least 35 others, maintaining knowledge of what to do in the case of a vehicle ramming and mass gathering attack could be a matter of life or death. In partnership with our public sector partners including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI), here are steps and indicators to keep in mind to maintaining a safe environment.

MASS GATHERING SAFETY AWARENESS

In local communities, DHS Protective Security Advisors (PSAs) work with federal, state, and local government officials and private sector partners to protect soft targets and crowded places. In doing so, PSAs encourage businesses to “Connect, PIan, Train, and Report”. Applying these four steps in advance of an incident or attack can help better prepare businesses and their employees to proactively think about the role they play in the safety and security of their businesses and communities.

Connect

• Develop relationships with local law enforcement, fire response, and other businesses in the area.
• Clarify emergency response responsibilities and other responsibilities related to venue security and emergency response.
• Share information regarding the event and supporting venue layout with local law enforcement, fire response, and emergency management.

Plan

• Develop plans for security, emergency response, emergency communications, and business continuity.
• Develop a bomb threat management plan to enable informed decisions and appropriate actions upon receipt of a bomb threat or discovery of suspicious items.
• Establish procedures for evacuating the venue in the event that a threat is deemed too serious to continue the event.
• Implement a communication process to inform event attendees of actions to take in case of an emergency and develop

Train

• Train staff and volunteers on: Security basics, emergency response, emergency communications, and business continuity plans.
• Staying aware of any suspicious behavior, activities, or items.
• The “Run, Hide, Fight” response to an active shooter incident and the “Recognize, Avoid, Isolate, and Notify” process when confronting suspicious items or packages.
• Provide specialized training for employees who will take additional response actions (e.g., using fire extinguishers, administering first aid).
• Conduct exercises to ensure plans remain applicable, and involve first responders in the exercises to familiarize them with the venue and its security plans, policies, and procedures.

Report

• Post details on reporting suspicious activity, and encourage staff, volunteers, vendors, and the general public to report suspicious behavior to property management security or local law enforcement.
• Promote general awareness to identify:

– Potential surveillance; excessive study of event entrances, exits, security features (e.g., cameras or barriers), or personnel; and unexplained use of binoculars, cameras, and recording devices near an event location.

– Repeat visitors or outsiders who have no apparent business in restricted areas.

– Erratic vehicle operation, repeated driving near an event location, and parking in the same area over multiple days with no reasonable explanation.

– Abandoned parcels, suitcases, backpacks, and packages.

– Bulky or unseasonable clothing.

– Other unusual behavior, activities, or items.

• Establish a system for reporting security concerns.

VEHICLE RAMMING SAFETY AWARENESS

The use of a vehicle as a weapon in a terrorist attack is not new. Recent terrorist incidents and violent extremist propaganda demonstrate that the use of vehicles as a weapon continues to be of interest by those wishing to cause harm. Attacks of this nature require minimal capability, but can have a devastating impact in crowded places with low levels of visible security.

Potential Indicators

The use of vehicles as weapons often has few or no observable indicators but identifying and reporting suspicious activities may assist in detecting a potential vehicle-ramming attack plot. Any one of these activities may be insignificant on its own, but when observed in combination with other suspicious behaviors — particularly advocacy of violence — they may constitute a basis for reporting.

• Reported theft of large or heavy-duty vehicles.
• Observed difficulty in explaining the planned use of a rented vehicle.
• Exhibited nervousness during vehicle rental discussion and insistence on paying rental fees in cash.
• Inability to produce required documentation, such as a valid driver’s license or appropriate endorsement for the class of vehicle sought.
• Observed difficulties in operating a rented vehicle, such as large or heavy-duty trucks, indicating a lack of familiarity from prior usage or experience.
• Loitering, parking, or standing in the same area over multiple days with no reasonable explanation.
• Unexplained use of binoculars, cameras, and recording devices.

What Should People Do in Case of a Vehicle Ramming Attack?

• Run to the nearest safe area while moving away from the source of hazard.
• If a fall occurs, curl into a protected position and try to get up as soon as possible to avoid being trampled.
• If no rapid escape is possible, seek cover behind any available natural or artificial objects that eliminate direct line of sight from the source of hazard.
• Call 9-1-1 and remain alert for potential secondary attacks.
• Render first aid when safe to do so.
• Maintain situational awareness while providing assistance to others.
• When help arrives, follow instructions given by law enforcement and first responders.

PROTECTIVE MEASURES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

The following protective measures provide some basic actions to be considered by those responsible for the safety and security of these locations. It is important to balance the security requirements with the operational and functional needs associated with the typical user of the facility or venue. As a result, a mitigation strategy cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, and instead must be tailored to the specific physical constraints and functional demands of a given location.

Physical Security

• Post signage relating to emergency entry and exit points, first-aid stations, and shelter locations.
• Post signage identifying items that patrons are prohibited from carrying into the venue.
• Define the perimeter and areas that require access control for pedestrians and vehicles, and identify especially sensitive or critical areas (e.g., control rooms, communications centers, computer server rooms, fuel or chemical storage tanks, mechanical equipment) that require special access controls.
• Evaluate vehicle traffic patterns near the venue and implement strategies to reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.
• To the extent possible, keep vehicles at a safe distance from areas where large numbers of people congregate and consider whether fixed or temporary vehicle barriers are needed.
• Restrict all vehicular traffic through controlled and secure “pedestrian-only” areas, including separate ingress and egress routes for delivery vehicles away from events.
• Use remote parking and shuttle services to keep vehicles away from critical assets or mass gatherings.
• Monitor all vehicles approaching an entrance or gathering of people for signs of threatening or suspicious behavior (e.g., unusually high speed, vehicles riding particularly low, vehicles emitting a chemical odor, occupants keeping the windows open even in cold or inclement weather).
• Evaluate the need for vehicle barriers, considering passive barriers (fixed bollards, fences, jersey barriers, etc.) and/or active barriers (retractable bollards, rising wedges, etc.). If appropriate, pre-position heavy vehicles to serve as physical barriers around the perimeter of densely populated locations.

Access, Planning and Personnel Security

• Conduct background checks on all staff assigned to critical or sensitive areas.
• Review personnel files of recently terminated employees to determine whether they pose a security risk.
• Evaluate vehicle traffic patterns near the venue and implement strategies to reduce vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian safety.
• Devise credential systems that indicate areas of access and purpose of activity on the premises.
• Design a monitoring, surveillance, and inspection program that is consistent with venue operations and associated security requirements. If surveillance cameras are used, train personnel to interpret video and identify potential security-related events.
• Conduct a site assessment prior to holding an event that identifies vulnerabilities. For example, the driver of the vehicle may not necessarily follow traffic rules (e.g., one-way street), which must be taken into account when developing a strategy.

EVENT/PROTEST BEST PRACTICES

• If you see something suspicious, report it
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
• Utilize the buddy system
• Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
• Leave any valuables at home
• Do not jump any barricades
• Secure handbags and wallets
• Stay calm and pleasant
• Follow your own instincts
• Leave yourself room to move quickly

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.  

IMPORTANT RESOURCES

Vehicle Ramming Awareness Safety Share: CLICK HERE

Mass Gathering Safety Awareness Tips: CLICK HERE

DHS Hometown Security Initiative: https://www.dhs.gov/hometown-security

DHS Active Shooter Preparedness Program: https://www.dhs.gov/active-shooter-preparedness

DHS “If You See Something, Say Something®”: https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something

Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative: https://nsi.ncirc.gov/

Hot off the press! Have you received your copy of our quarterly newsletter, InSight Magazine? InSight is your go-to source for all the exciting happenings at Marksman-Titan Security Group! Stay in the loop and discover our latest achievements, insights, and initiatives. Features in this edition include:

• Interviews with two of our Vice Presidents, Global Partners Jeff Fuesting and Nicole Torres
• Details on the strategic merger between Marksman Security Corporation and Titan Security Group
• Special achievements from our talented security professionals from across the country

Access your digital copy here

In partnership with our public-sector safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the events and protest activity related to the U.S. General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Local, state, and federal government agencies are all operating in a heightened state of awareness, with many planning to activate extensive operational resources and emergency operation centers. Such tension may be anticipated to continue through inauguration day on January 20, 2025 – and possibly beyond.

While the core election focus is the presidential contest between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump, there are many “down ballot” races, plus volatile issues such as abortion appearing directly on multiple state ballots. Each of these contests and issues has the potential to further increase tension among voters and the general public. Potential “swing states” such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin have the very real potential to experience activity related to protest demonstrations, and potentially, violence. Types of events include:

Political Extremists – Such organizations may seek to disrupt or forcibly influence the election and are particularly concerning due to the level of organization, online presence, and widespread possession and use of firearms.

Pro-Palestinian and Aligned Demonstrators – Protesters on behalf of Gaza, and in some cases overtly anti-Israeli, have been out in significant numbers in many U.S. cities in recent months. Sometimes these generally peaceful protesters have been joined or infiltrated by vandalism-prone anarchists, or by elements of the violence-prone Black Bloc, or the anti-fascist (Antifa) movement.

Cyberwarfare and Disinformation – Intelligence agencies are concerned with threats related to cybersecurity, and augmented/artificial intelligence has accelerated the threat. These hazards may originate with domestic hackers who are simply seeking to cause disruption or confusion by interfering with computer-based processes, or cyber criminals seeking to monetize threats to targets/victims, including governmental entities.

Lone Offenders – A number of recent incidents of political violence involved subjects who appear to be acting alone, with no direct connection to any larger movement, including an attempted assassination of candidate Trump in Pennsylvania, and an individual arrested for firing into a Democratic office in Arizona found to have 120 firearms and 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home. The risk posed by such individuals is escalated due to the increased likelihood that they have not been previously identified and may be “flying under the radar” of law enforcement.

Mass Societal Protest – Multiple jurisdictions could see very large-scale demonstrations resulting from a failure of the political process. Such protests would likely be the result of a national election in which the results were not accepted by a very high percentage (or majority) of the voting public. This would include a disputed election result decided by legal wrangling and an unpopular Supreme Court decision – an escalated version of the contested election of 2000 taking place in a much more polarized and distrustful environment.

Safety Precautions

Election-related events/incidents could extend over several days or even weeks. As in 2020/2021, violent disruptions may extend into the electoral vote confirmation and inauguration period in January. Yet there are many actions that can be taken by property managers to prepare for and mitigate any potentially negative outcomes.

• Consider adding additional security personnel. Consider additional security staff as a deterrent and coordinate with first responders in an emergency.
• Discuss and practice soft lockdowns and hard lockdowns at your facilities. Talk about how to quickly and effectively secure buildings with limited access or no access.
• Review civil unrest procedures and protocols. Prepare for widespread civil unrest or protest activity, especially in the event of no clear election result.
• Remove all possible projectiles from property perimeter. Remove anything that could be used to damage property – trash cans, stanchions, construction materials, etc.
• Schedule operations staff for 12-hour slots to limit shift changes and commutes. Security and engineering staff should consider 12-hour days to maximize coverage.
• Plan for logistical needs. With potential access-control restrictions, acquire and stockpile essential supplies now.
• Plan to monitor multiple information sources. Utilize all channels to stay informed, including election officials, reliable media sources, and internal mass messaging.
• Make a communications plan, utilizing multiple channels/methods. Have multiple ways to contact key personnel, and test each of them prior to election night.
• Counter false information. Don’t spread rumors or unverified information. Keep an eye on the Department of Homeland Security website https://www.cisa.gov/rumorcontrol
• Report early and often on election day. Any voter intimidation or illegal election activity should be reported to 911, and to the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

Event/Protest Best Practices

• If you see something suspicious, report it
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
• Utilize the buddy system
• Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
• Leave any valuables at home
• Do not jump any barricades
• Secure handbags and wallets
• Stay calm and pleasant
• Follow your own instincts
• Leave yourself room to move quickly

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

About Titan Security Group

Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to communities. Today, we provide security services to 10 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. We employ more than 4,000 security staff and have enjoyed over thirty consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing and emergency planning solutions with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.

In cooperation with our cross-sector safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the events around the 2024 Chicago Marathon, set to be held on Sunday, October 13. Streets throughout the downtown Chicago area will be closed beginning Wednesday, October 9. Closures for the Chicago Marathon will conclude at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 14. These closures will impact high traffic areas including Lake Shore Drive, Wacker Drive, Michigan Avenue and the area around Millennium Park and Grant Park.

From Chicago OEMC:

City of Chicago officials and Bank of America Chicago Marathon organizers are reminding the public in advance of Marathon weekend that street closures will begin on Wednesday, October 9. 

Traffic Impacts/Street Closures

• Wednesday, October 9: Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will close at 10 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 6 a.m.
• Thursday, October 10: Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 3 p.m.
• Thursday, October 10: Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells to Roosevelt Rd will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 3 p.m.
• Friday, October 11: Columbus Drive from Monroe to Jackson St. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 11: Congress Plaza on Michigan Ave. (Van Buren St. to Harrison St. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 11: Ida B. Wells from Michigan Ave to Congress Plaza will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 11: Ida B. Wells from Congress Plaza to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
• Friday, October 11: Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will close at 4 a.m. and reopen on Sunday, October 13 at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12: Columbus Dr. from Randolph to Monroe St. will be closed at 6 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12: Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed at 11 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 6 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12: Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 2 p.m.
• Saturday, October 12: Monroe St. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed at 4 a.m. and open on Sunday, October 13 at 5 p.m.
• Sunday, October 13: Columbus Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Roosevelt Road will be closed 4 a.m. and open at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 13: Michigan Ave. from Madison to 9th St. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 9 a.m.
• Sunday, October 13: Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan to Columbus Dr. will be closed at 4 a.m. and open at 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 13: Michigan Ave. from 9th St. to Roosevelt Rd will be closed at 5:30 a.m. and open at 4 p.m.
• All streets will be fully reopened by Monday, October 14 at 6 a.m.

• DuSable Lake Shore Drive
• Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain open at Belmont.
• Expressways

For additional information related to the Chicago Marathon street closures, click here.

Abbott Chicago 5K – Saturday, October 12

• Ida B. Wells Dr., between Columbus Dr. and Michigan Ave
• Congress Plaza Dr., between Ida B. Wells Dr. and Michigan Ave.
• Harrison St., between State St. and Franklin St.
• Harrison St., between Michigan Ave. and State St.
• State St., between E. Harrison St. and W. Harrison St.
• Franklin St., between Harrison St. and Adams St.
• Van Buren St., between Wacker Dr. to Franklin St.
• Wacker Dr., between Lake St. to State St.
• Wacker Dr., between State St. to Wabash Ave.
• Wacker Dr., between Van Buren St. and Madison St.
• Wacker Dr., between Madison Ave. and Lake St.
• Jackson Blvd., between Wacker Dr. and Franklin St.
  
  

Parking and Race Day Routes

Beginning early Sunday morning, parking restrictions will be in effect along the course. For public safety and traffic flow, the towing of vehicles along the route and other posted “No Parking Zones” will be strictly enforced. Motorists are encouraged to read signage before parking and should call 3-1-1 to locate a towed vehicle. 

The following main thoroughfares, among others, will remain open: 

• DuSable Lake Shore Drive
• Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain open at Belmont. 
  
  

Marathon Maps

To view the full 2024 Chicago Marathon course and map, click here.

To view the full 2024 Abbott 5K course and map, click here.

Public Transportation 

As always, public transportation is encouraged if heading to the Marathon or other destinations in the impacted areas. For more information on CTA services and reroutes, visit TransitChicago.com or call 836-7000 from any area code/1-888-YOUR-CTA. Metra will offer extra service on race day. For specific schedule information, visit Metra.com. The City has worked with licensed Transportation Network Providers (TNP rideshare services) to ensure that pick-up and drop-off locations are available throughout the city, in geo-fenced areas that are a safe distance off the route. 

Emergency, Traffic and Weather Notifications 

OEMC will continue to monitor the event in collaboration with public safety partners and the Chicago Police Department will enforce race day restrictions along the route as well as facilitate traffic. OEMC will issue any alerts and notifications needed to keep residents and attendees up to date on street closures, weather conditions and emergencies.  Sign up for NotifyChicago alerts at NotifyChicago.org. For businesses, OEMC also issues text alerts as well, to opt in for CHIBIZ alerts TEXT “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3. 

Safety Tips Near/During Large Events

• If you see something suspicious, report it
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Choose a landmark to meet at in case you are separated from your group
• Utilize the buddy system
• Remain alert and be observant of surroundings
• Leave any valuables at home
• Do not jump any barricades
• Secure handbags and wallets
• Stay calm and pleasant
• Follow your own instincts
• Leave yourself room to move quickly

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).

About Titan Security Group

Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services across the country. Today, Titan is one of the largest security companies in North America, scheduling approximately 130,000 hours per week, employing more than 4,000 security staff, and have enjoyed over thirty consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing with electronic security systems to provide integrated and efficient, customized security solutions from a single source.

In coordination with our cross-sector public safety partners, Titan Security is monitoring the activity related to Hurricane Milton, scheduled to approach the west coast of Florida on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. A state of emergency has been called for 51 Florida counties. The following preparedness efforts have taken place in preparation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall on Wednesday:

Florida Preparedness Efforts

• The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Level 1 since Tuesday, September 24, for Hurricane Helene, and is at a Level 1 for Hurricane Milton as of today, October 6, leading coordination efforts for the State Emergency Response Team. 
• The State Emergency Response Team is engaged in over 450 missions to assist counties in their preparedness efforts. These missions accomplish vital tasks like staging resources to deploy for immediate response as soon as it is safe to do so, protecting critical infrastructure facilities like hospitals and utility stations, and coordinating personnel statewide.
• FDEM is establishing a 10,000-person base camp at Tropicana Field to support ongoing debris operations and post-landfall responders.
• FDEM is coordinating the deployment of fuel and EV chargers to pre-stage along evacuation routes to support evacuations.
• The Florida Department of Veteran’s Affairs (FDVA) storm preparations are underway at all State Veterans’ Nursing Homes in anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s landfall.
• The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is performing maintenance on all equipment deployed during Hurricane Helene to ensure it is ready for use in Hurricane Milton. 
• FDLE Regional Operations Centers in Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers are establishing their Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Teams (RLECT).
• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has readied high-water vehicles and all other storm response resources statewide so they may be rapidly deployed to assist Floridians in need in the event of damage or flooding. Contingency plans based on forecasted landfall locations have been developed and remain flexible based on the storm’s projected path.
• In addition to local officers, approximately 75, FWC officers are ready to deploy and respond with a variety of specialized equipment as necessary, such as: 
  • Airboats
  • Shallow draft boats
  • ATVs/Side-by-sides
  • Larger platform vessels
  • Four-wheel vehicles
  • Specialized high water vehicles 
• FWC Special Operations Group (SOG) teams will serve as reconnaissance units for the state and report on damage after the storm has made landfall. 
• FWC Aviation Section has been placed on standby and has readied all appropriate aircraft for potential deployment for aerial assistance, reconnaissance, and post-storm damage assessments when needed.

General Hurricane Safety Tips for Residential Properties

• Monitor local media for weather conditions and emergency information. 
• Obtain emergency contact numbers for residents, and be sure they know what number to call for community information.
• Provide contact information for all team members and management contact persons.
• Ask residents to move furniture, plants, and other items from patios and balconies and place them indoors. 
• Advise residents to fill bathtubs with water that can be used to flush toilets if necessary. Even residents who are evacuating may need water supplies upon their return.
• Ask residents who are evacuating to remove perishable food from refrigerators, to avoid having to clean out spoiled food in the event of a lengthy power outage. 
• Drain pools about two feet. Move pool furniture, trash cans, outdoor seating, etc., indoors. Remove items from stairwells and walkways.
• Open property access gates that may become inoperable in the event of a power outage.

Flood Safety Tips

Before the flood reaches your area:

• Know if floodwaters might affect your home and property. Know your elevation above flood stage.
• Develop a flood emergency action plan.
• Evacuate immediately, if advised to do so. Bring important documents with you.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut off.
• Keep abreast of road conditions through the news media.

During the flood:

• Avoid areas subject to flooding. Do not attempt to cross flowing water.
• Never drive through flooded roadways. Nearly half of all people killed in floods are those who try driving through flooded areas.
• Do not drive around barricades, they are there for your protection.
• If your vehicle stalls, leave it immediately.
• Never try to walk through or allow children to play around flood water.

After the flood:

• Do not visit disaster areas, your presence may hamper emergency operations.
• Throw out food that has come into contact with the floodwater and boil drinking water before using it.
• Stay out of buildings that remain in flood waters.
• Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas.
• If the power is out, use flashlights to examine buildings. Flammables may be inside.
• Report broken utilities to the correct authorities.

Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.

Weather and Traffic Information

Florida Division of Emergency Management – Latest updates on Hurricane Milton and state emergency efforts.

Florida 511 – Get up-to-the-minute, real-time traffic conditions and incident information for the State of Florida with Florida 511.

Florida Highway Patrol – Florida Highway Patrol Live Traffic Crash and Road Condition Report. Reports are updated every five minutes. Incidents located within city limits also may not show on the map since it is not common practice for FHP to work incidents inside city limits.

Florida Traffic – Traffic incidents and conditions from Florida 511 and Florida Highway Patrol brought to you by Florida State Emergency Response Team Geographic Information Systems.

About Titan Security Group

Titan launched in 1994 with a vision for a better way to provide security services to communities. Today, we provide security services to 10 states across the Midwest and Southeastern United States. We employ more than 3,600 security staff and have enjoyed over twenty-nine consecutive years of successfully serving our clients across a wide range of industries. Titan delivers results to clients through flexible, customized security solutions, and superior customer service. The Titan approach combines traditional security staffing and emergency planning solutions with electronic security systems to provide integrated, efficient, and customized safety and security solutions from a single source.