EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - Aiming to improve public safety and strengthen emergency preparedness and response, Northwestern University and the City of Evanston have agreed to a plan for the shared use of Northwestern's Emergency Operations Center (EOC), officials announced today (Aug. 16).

The EOC, located in the Northwestern University Police headquarters at 1201 Davis St. in Evanston, will provide a safe and secure location during an emergency or disaster where the City of Evanston and University crisis management teams can collaborate to make effective, informed decisions in coordination with local, county, state and federal agencies.

The City and the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a one-year agreement for the shared use of the facility, beginning on September 1, 2018 and including an option to be renewed annually.

“This important agreement will enhance public safety for all who live, work or study in Evanston,” said Mayor Stephen Hagerty. “In my 25 years as an emergency management consultant, I can tell you, without question, those who collaborate together succeed together. The City and Northwestern will continue to look for these opportunities.”

“Northwestern University highly values our relationship with the City of Evanston, and nothing is more important to both of us than the safety of our two communities. We are proud to partner with City emergency officials to increase collaboration in every way that can help make both our communities more secure,” said Northwestern President Morton Schapiro.

In March, the City and Northwestern utilized the Emergency Operations Center during a joint training exercise, which simulated a hazardous materials spill in the area. This new agreement will facilitate continued coordination between the City and Northwestern as the organizations focus on emergency preparedness and response training.

“Disaster and emergency incident mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery are responsibilities shared by all public safety personnel, regardless of their agency or jurisdiction,” said Evanston Fire Chief Brian Scott. “Sharing this outstanding facility will maximize public safety by ensuring the effective collaboration of all stakeholders."

"The Emergency Operations Center is a state of the art facility with IT infrastructure that has been adapted to meet the City’s needs," said Northwestern University Police Chief Bruce Lewis. "We have learned from experience how vitally important it is to collaborate on emergency response in managing either a man-made or a natural disaster, as either will most definitely impact both the City and the University."

“This agreement is another example of the wonderful partnership of the City of Evanston and Northwestern University crisis management teams. I look forward to our continued progress on projects that make our community safer,” said Evanston Police Chief Richard Eddington.

“Northwestern’s Crisis Management Team members help the University community prepare for potential or actual threats, emergency incidents and disaster situations. Working closely with our counterparts from Evanston in a crisis affecting both our communities is crucial for the safety of both. This new step establishing a joint EOC at Northwestern will help ensure that happens,” said Greg Klaiber, director of emergency management at Northwestern.

For more information, please call or text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.