Safety plan in place as crowds gather for True/False Film fest in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Organizers of the annual True/False Film Fest said extensive safety measures are in place this weekend as thousands of people gather in downtown Columbia.
To host the festival, the Ragtag Film Society was required to submit a detailed safety plan to the city outlining procedures for medical emergencies, severe weather, power outages and other potential issues.
Despite expected rainy conditions Friday, the festival’s March March parade continued as planned, with volunteers stationed throughout downtown to help manage crowds and road closures.
According to the festival’s safety plan, several measures are in place to protect crowds from potential vehicle threats. At key access points: Ninth and Elm streets, Ninth and Locust streets, and the west alley off Ninth Street, organizers installed 8-foot barricades. Two vehicles are positioned directly behind each barricade to create an additional protective barrier.
Volunteers stationed at those checkpoints have keys to the vehicles so they can quickly move them if emergency responders need access to the area. Volunteers Josh Loeza, Chris Gadsen and Nathan Boyack were in charge of helping direct festivalgoers, monitoring barricades and ensuring emergency vehicles can pass if necessary.
“I'm working the parade. I'm moving barricades when it's necessary for emergency vehicles to get through, or if volunteers need to move their cars, and just informing people,” Loeza said.
Festival organizers said volunteers received safety training before the event began. Volunteer Lily Lusk said that training included guidance on how to respond to emergencies.
"They have a super extensive sort of like what to do in case of any emergency, they gave us in our orientation. Kind of like a QR code to read over. So everybody's prepared for anything," Lusk said.
According to the safety plan, volunteers are instructed to call 911 if a medical emergency occurs and are not allowed to perform any actions they are not trained to handle.
The plan also outlines procedures in the event of severe weather. Volunteers would direct festivalgoers to the nearest shelter and help keep people away from doors and windows until conditions improve.
Volunteers are also prepared to assist if a power outage occurs during a screening or event. In that situation, they would use flashlights to help guide attendees and ask them to remain in their seats while organizers work to restore power.
Organizers and volunteers said large crowds are expected throughout the weekend.
“Very congested, but to be expected with the parade,” Boyack said.
The Columbia Police Department said the department does not plan to have additional officers assigned specifically for the festival in the downtown area this weekend.
