Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management

Disaster Preparedness

All City of Wheaton departments share responsibilities for emergency preparedness and emergency management. City officials use the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for managing disasters.

During a disaster situation, officials may establish an Emergency  Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate efforts. The City of Wheaton works closely with the DuPage County Office of Emergency Management/Homeland Security.

Audible Warning System (Tornado Warning Siren)

Outdoor warning sirens, commonly thought of as "tornado sirens," are customarily activated when a tornado warning is issued for the immediate area. This means a tornado has been sighted within DuPage County or an adjoining area and is potentially tracking toward Wheaton.

If you hear the outdoor warning siren, take immediate action. Seek shelter immediately in the lowest level of a building (preferably a basement, if there is one).

Siren Testing

As a reminder, the City of Wheaton tests its warning system at 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month.

Homeland Security Information Resources

• American Red Cross
• Department of Homeland Security
• DuPage County Office of Emergency Management
• Illinois Emergency Management Agency
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Milton Township Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• National Weather Service
• Ready.gov (Preparedness Information)
• Ready Illinois Gov (Preparedness Information)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)