Police urge victory parade-goers to plan ahead

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department is ready to facilitate people having a good time and celebrating at the Chiefs victory parade.

The parade route will shut down at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, and will remain closed until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5. The parade starts at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 5, followed by a celebration at Union Station at about 1 p.m. There will be hundreds and hundreds of officers along and around the route and at Union Station. Nineteen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will be assisting KCPD for the celebration. This will not detract from police protection in the rest of the city. Patrol divisions will be fully staffed and prepared to respond to calls citywide. KCPD has brought in everyone from investigative units to Academy recruits to help with the celebration that day.

Police need your help to make the parade enjoyable and safe.

• Please keep a close eye on your children.
  - More than 100 children were temporarily lost at the Royals parade in 2015.
  - Take a picture of your children with what they will be wearing at the parade before you leave home.
  - Have them wear a wristband or write on their arm with a permanent marker what their parent or guardian’s name and contact information is.
  - There will be seven child reunification locations along the route, as noted on the map. Go to the nearest one of those if you have become separated from your child. Children taken to tents will remain there for no longer than 30 minutes before officers take them to a warmer location.
  
  
• Parking will be limited, and you will probably have to walk. Take public transportation, taxis or ride shares.
  
  
• Traffic will be heavy and very congested. It will take a lot of time to get into and out of downtown. Plan accordingly and be patient.
  
  
• Crossing of the parade route will only be permitted at the intersections designated on the map. Police have been ordered not to allow crossing of the route at any other location.
  
  
• Dress warmly and be prepared for snow.
  
  
• Cell phones probably will not work. Make a plan with your family or group for a meet-up point should you become separated.
  
  
• Public consumption of alcohol is illegal.
  
  
• Leave your valuables at home.
  - Secure anything that you must have with you on your person, such as in the inside pocket of a coat.
  - Do not leave items of value in your vehicle.
  - Lost items that are turned into police will be at the child reunification stations.

Sign up for text messages for instant parade news by texting CHIEFSPARADE to 888-777. Up-to-date information also is posted at chiefsparade.com. 

The men and women of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department look forward to helping Kansas City celebrate this historic victory and thank the Kansas City Chiefs for making this possible.