[Press Release] : Roots ‘N Blues this weekend -- Department of Public Safety Joint Communications asks for help

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Scott Smith, Public Information Officer, or Donna Hargis,
Acting Interim PSJC Director - (573) 874-7400

Roots ‘N Blues this weekend -- Department of Public Safety Joint
Communications asks for help

COLUMBIA, MO (September 23, 2009) - With thousands expected to converge
on Columbia this weekend for the annual Roots ‘N Blues and Barbecue
Festival, the Columbia/ Boone County Department of Public Safety Joint
Communications (PSJC) reminds those who may need 911 services that they
can assist our operators in dispatching critical services in a timely
fashion. 

“With the magnitude of the crowd anticipated in the downtown area on
Friday and Saturday, we expect to receive a high number of calls for
emergency services,” says acting interim PSJC Director Donna Hargis.
“Just as we always ask those who call 911, we are requesting that
those who must call from the festival to make themselves aware of their
surroundings, and know the location from where they are calling. We also
ask that callers remain calm, speak clearly, follow the operator’s
directions, explain the incident, and stay on the line until the
dispatcher tells you to hang up. That can help the victim get the
assistance he or she needs in a timely manner.”

Those attending the Roots ‘N Blues and Barbecue Festival and
associated activities such as the half-marathon are reminded that 911
should be called for public safety and life-threatening situations. For
non-emergency situations, you are encouraged to call the non-emergency
number at the Operations Center (573-442-6131), the non-emergency line
for the Columbia Police Department (573-874-7652), or find one of the
many officers and security personnel who will be working in the downtown
area during the two-day event. 

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