How are we preparing to celebrate the Super Bowl safely? Let us count the ways.
Jan. 25, 2018
It’s no secret that the Super Bowl is a huge production for any city hosting it. But what about the state? The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) is working to support our partners to make sure this year’s Super Bowl will be as safe – and therefore fun – as it can possibly be. And with an estimated one million people converging on the Twin Cities to join the fun, a little safety can go a long way.
We’ve already talked about subjects like illegal gambling, 4 a.m. bar closures, Text-to-911, cooking and heating safety, creating a sober game plan, underage drinking and fake IDs, and winter survival kits. But here are a few more tips from our various divisions that can help you make the weekend of the big game as fun and safe as possible.
Be safe in the crowd
If you “See Something, Say Something.” Large crowds provide convenient cover for suspicious behavior, so stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you see something or someone out of place, taking pictures of entry/exit ways, or acting strangely, report it right away. Find an object that was left behind? Do not touch it! Move a safe distance away and tell someone.
Dress for the weather
It’s cold in Minnesota in February. Frostbite and hypothermia are two common threats, so know the signs: Frostbite causes your skin to become very cold and red, then numb, and then hard and pale. Hypothermia causes your body temperature to drop and affects the brain, making you unable to think clearly or move well. To avoid them, plan ahead and dress appropriately. Wear layers of loose-fitting, water repellant, warm clothing.
Know where you are
If you’re new to Minnesota (or just to the Twin Cities), it’s important to know where you are in case of an emergency. Emergency dispatchers won’t know your exact location unless you call from a landline. Dispatchers can only triangulate a location with a cell phone call, but they can send help more quickly with a precise street address, intersection, mile marker or well-known landmark. Be observant, know where you are, and if you have to call 911, don’t hang up until you know what will happen next.
Know how to get out
Nobody expects the hotel or rental home they’re staying in or the bar where they’re enjoying the big game will start on fire. But it happens. And when it does, quickly getting outside is key. Identify exits and emergency exits when you first walk into an establishment or check into your temporary home away from home. Remember that if there is a fire, the door you came in may not be the safest — or quickest — way out.
For more information on what DPS divisions are doing to help make Super Bowl weekend safe for everyone, check out this news release – and have fun watching the big game!
