December 3, 2001

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley leads a city better prepared than any large U.S. city to protect its citizens against bioterrorism.

Thats the view espoused in a Fortune magazine article written by Shawn Tully who details Mayor Daleys post September 11th mobilization of Chicagos high command which convened in the citys Emergency Communications Center. The center is described as a "technology-packed fortress two miles from the downtown loop."

For four days after September 11th, Daleys top security and safety personnel worked around the clock to map out detailed plans to cover any contingency. They included the fire commissioner, the police chief and two dozen other officials convened in crisis management.

The article describes the deployment of police and paramedics, detailing of ambulances and other emergency vehicles and other safety measures. The $217 million Emergency Communications Center is the logical result of long-standing practices by Chicago that have led to detailed plans for fighting fired, floods, chemical spills and other emergencies, writes the author.

The article also describes, in great detail, the citys plans for coping with such disasters as the possible threat of anthrax, and cooperative efforts to ready supplies of antibiotics and available hospital beds for possible victims.

Concludes the article: "If any U.S. city can claim an advantage in fighting the new war, its Chicago. Still, its plans for dealing with bioterrorism attack are strictly theoretical. The brass who assemble in the Emergency Communications Center fervently hope they stay that way."