COLUMBUS – A half million people are expected downtown Wednesday for the annual Red, White & Boom! Fireworks display, the largest in the Midwest.
What NOT to bring to Red, White & Boom!:
-alcohol
-grills
-pools
-generators
-pets
Source: Columbus Division of Police
The Columbus Division of Police say there will be hundreds of officers and K9 units patrolling the area around the Scioto riverfront on foot, bicycle and horseback, keeping an eye out for everything from suspicious packages to lost children.
There will be five missing persons booths where division spokeswoman Sgt. Chantay Boxill says parent can take their kids, register them with police and receive a wristband to help identify lost children and reunite them with parents.
She recommends parents take photos of their children before leaving home so they have a recent picture showing what the child is wearing.
The Division of Police has released a smartphone app that will provide alerts and allow residents to submit tips.
Those attending the event will be able to text “RWB2019” to 888-777 to get signed up for emergency text notifications which Boxill says will end after the fireworks.
Boxill says alcohol beverages, gas and charcoal grills, wading pools and generators are banned from the site and she recommends people leave their pets at home because fireworks frighten them.
More than 1,000 COTA employees will be on duty as the transit authority will provide special express service from seven Park & Ride locations, extended service for downtown routes and will extend the free CBUS downtown loop service until midnight.