SFD News and Information: THE SPOKANE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WANT TO REMIND HOOPFEST FANS TO HAVE FUN AND ALSO STAY SAFE

THE SPOKANE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WANT TO REMIND HOOPFEST FANS TO HAVE FUN AND ALSO STAY SAFE

To ensure the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world remains safe and fun, City of Spokane public safety officials are working with area law enforcement agencies and partnering with the Spokane Hoopfest Association. Attendees are encouraged to follow a few safety tips.

Spokane police officers will be working with SPD volunteers, Explorer Scouts, Co-Op volunteers and Reserve Officers to provide security and help ensure safety for all Hoopfest fans. In addition, the Spokane Fire Department’s PedMed Program, a special operations program that deploys fire department paramedics in areas that are routinely inaccessible due to large crowds or terrain will be working throughout the event. Additional behind the scenes measures will be implemented as well.

“We have an excellent community partnership with the Spokane Hoopfest Association and both of our organizations want attendees to enjoy what our beautiful city has to offer and to have fun at this dynamic downtown event while remaining safe and healthy,” advises Law Enforcement Director Jim McDevitt.

To help ensure the safety of people attending as well as those that are in the area, public safety officials are asking for the community’s help by following a few safety tips:

Choose an alternative route to avoid congestion if you do not need to be downtown.
Take public transportation if you can.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Immediately report suspicious activity to law enforcement officials.
Never leave children unattended.
Lock ALL vehicle doors and secure windows. If possible use a vehicle anti-theft device.
Do not leave any valuables in vehicles.
Drivers should slow down and be aware of extra pedestrian activity.
Pedestrians should exercise extra caution and watch for traffic.
Do not leave purses or bags unattended.
Animals are prohibited during special events, so please leave them at home (service animals are permitted).
Remember open containers are not allowed.

Beginning Tuesday, June 21, yellow and/or red bags will be placed on many meters in the downtown area. Vehicles that are already parked in those spots must be moved by 6 p.m. or they could be towed. As a reminder, please do not park at meters that are bagged. Once the meters have been bagged for 12 hours, vehicles will be towed. These areas will be used for Hoopfest equipment, emergency vehicles, event equipment vehicles, and STA buses.

“With warmer temperatures expected this weekend, we also want to remind attendees and participants of the importance of preventing heat related illnesses,” advises Assistant Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer. “Heat stress increases the risk for illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.”

To help prevent heat related illnesses, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Avoid heavy exertion, extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible.
If you are active, monitor your physical condition and that of your friends or teammates for signs or symptoms of heat illnesses.
Drink plenty of water – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.

Throughout the year, the safety of our community is of the utmost importance to your Spokane Police and Fire Departments. We are dedicated to making sure our community is safe and secure each day of the year and during all of our special events.

A complete list of street obstructions can be found here.

For more information about Spokane Hoopfest visit http://www.spokanehoopfest.net/Pages/default.aspx.

###