NEWS RELEASE

HUNTSVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

815 Wheeler Ave.

Huntsville, Alabama  35801

Huntsville Police Prepare for the Big Spring Jam
(September 25-27, 2009)

Huntsville, Alabama (September 16, 2009) With record crowds expected in this year’s Big Spring Jam, preparations continue for all possible weather conditions throughout the three day outdoor festival. According to Chief Henry Reyes, the Department’s Command and Control Center will be located in the center of the park site and will integrate all public safety agencies such as Police, Sheriff’s, Fire & Rescue, EMA, HEMSI and the National Weather Service. Chief Reyes credits adequate preparation and planning between organizers and city departments as one of the primary reasons this event has been extremely safe with very few problems in the past. At the Command Center, real time weather data and contact with the local National Weather Office offers the capability of immediate notification of all occupants throughout the park in the event of a severe weather incident. If any severe weather is detected, shelter sites will be made available inside of the VBC and city parking garages.  Notifications will be made to close the park and move to the nearest shelter.  Severe weather plans will include but not be limited to:

       Threatening Weather conditions

       Severe Lightning

       Severe Thunderstorm

       Tornado Watch

       Tornado Warning

Public safety this year will be a coordinated effort between the Huntsville Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, the Emergency Management Agency, Hsv Fire & Rescue, Southern Jamm Security and Von Braun Security.