FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Zim Schwartze, OEM Director,  or Scott Smith, Public Information Officer - (573) 874-7400

National Biker Roundup, Aug. 3-8, 2010

COLUMBIA, MO (July 30, 2010) - With thousands expected to converge on Columbia and surrounding areas next week for the National Biker Roundup event, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Safety Joint Communications (PSJC) have a few reminders for everyone.

If you need emergency assistance, don’t hesitate to contact 9-1-1 for public safety assistance and life-threatening situations.

“With the large crowds expected this coming week in our area, we anticipate a high number of calls for emergency assistance,” says PSJC Director Zim Schwartze. “If you call 9-1-1, please make sure you know the location where you are calling, explain the incident, remain calm, speak clearly, follow the operator’s directions, and stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.”

The non-emergency number at the operations center, 573-442-6131, should be utilized when it is more appropriate and not an actual emergency.

“9-1-1 is not to be used for directory assistance, to ask for directions, and/or to complain about noise or parking violations,” says Schwartze.

PSJC is asking citizens to contact the non-emergency number for these types of incidents so operators can focus their efforts on callers who need immediate assistance from fire, police or emergency medical personnel.

For those wanting information regarding the National Biker Roundup event and activities, please contact 816-483-0304.

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