NEWS RELEASE

Huntsville Department of Public Safety Prepares for the Big Spring Jam

(September 26-28)

Huntsville, Alabama (September 23,2008) With record crowds expected in this year’s Big Spring Jam, the Huntsville Department of Public Safety continues to make preparations for all possible weather conditions throughout the three day outdoor festival. According to Huntsville Police Chief Henry Reyes, the Department’s Command Center will be established in the center of the park site integrating all of the city’s emergency agencies such as Police, Fire & Rescue, EMA and HEMSI.  Reyes credits adequate preparation and planning between organizers and city departments as one of the primary reasons this event has had very few problems and been extremely safe 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 three stages 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

Park security this year will be a coordinated effort between the Huntsville Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, the Emergency Management Agency, Southern Jamm Security and Von Braun Security.