SAVANNAH, GA (March 7, 2017) – The Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department outlined its plans for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festival.
“We’re looking forward to the event,” said Major Robert Gavin, “And we want to create a safe, family-oriented environment.” The St. Patrick’s Day festival will begin the morning of Thursday, Mar. 16 and end late Saturday night on Mar. 18.
Sergeant Eddie Grant, with SCMPD’s Special Events Office, has worked this year to improve signage and flyers letting people who live along the parade route and in the downtown area how they will be impacted. Starting tomorrow, more than 5,000 door hangers will be distributed along the parade route and staging area. The door hangers detail no parking zones and where to find more information about road closures. SCMPD has also partnered with Waze, a community-based traffic and navigation app, to help residents navigate around festival-related road closures.
“We want to minimize the inconvenience to everybody,” Major Gavin said. “It’s important that everyone knows where to get the information they need.” Major Gavin said one of the best ways to do that is to have a plan. “Before you come downtown and take part in any activities, review the website we’ve made available on our website and social media. Know how you’re getting there and getting home.”
Taxis and ride-share companies plan to increase the number of Savannah drivers during the festival.
SCMPD is aware of national and international events that have impacted festival crowds, and have kept those incidents in mind throughout the security planning process. Major Gavin also reminded community members that, if they see something, they are urged to say something. “We want to make sure people go home safe,” he said.
Up-to-date festival information is available at scmpd.org/stpats. All updates will also be posted on SCMPD’s Twitter feed (@scmpd).
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