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Security, safety high priorities for airshow

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dustin Mullen
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Security and safety are two important aspects of Gulf Coast Salute 2015. In order to make things go efficiently, the 325th Security Forces Squadron (Military Police) has laid out basic guidelines for visitors.

"The 325th SFS is taking every action to plan and prepare for a smooth and enjoyable experience during the airshow," said Tyndall police officials. "There are numerous contingency plans in place for emergency situations, so we are prepared to handle anything that comes our way."

In order to ensure the security and safety of visitors, there is a list of items that are prohibited to bring on base during the event. These items include:

- Backpacks, ice chests and coolers.
- Any bags larger than a small purse or fanny pack, including: duffle bags, briefcases and large camera bags.
- All weapons (regardless of permit) including: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), walking sticks (except for handicap use) and all other items that our 325th Security Forces deem dangerous.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Pets (other than service animals).
- Glass containers.
- Bicycles, roller-skates, roller-blades or skateboards.
- Illegal drugs.
- Confiscated items will not be returned.

Additionally, please note that by entering the military installation each person consents that all vehicles and persons are subject to search in accordance with federal law. There are many items that are authorized but will be inspected prior to entering the flight line. It is recommended that spectators minimize the number and size of authorized items to reduce the time required for inspection prior to accessing the flight line area.  The following items are permitted:

- Cell phones, pagers, hand held portable televisions, radios, scanners and hand held video game devices.
- Small fanny packs and purses.
- Cameras and camcorders (owners may not load film prior to entering the show area as they may be required to open all compartments at security checkpoints).
- Folding chairs and lawn chairs (chairs in bags are subject to search).
- Umbrellas and sunshades.
- Wheelchairs.
- Baby bags and strollers, if attending with an infant or small child.

Any unattended bags and packages of any kind will be removed from the premises.

Keeping an eye on your children is also very important as large crowds make it easier for them to get lost.  If you lose your child, there is a designated location across from the children's play area, next to the Red Cross tent, where unaccompanied children will be taken. 

If your child is unable to tell police their name in the event they are lost, we recommend their name, your name, and a cell phone number is marked somewhere on them so they can be identified and safely returned. A sponsor is also being coordinated to provide bracelets for children at the entrance to the spectator area to list that information.

"Circumstances involving lost children are very unfortunate, however they happen," police officials said. "We are taking every measure possible to ensure that lost kids are taken care of and reunited with their parents or guardians. There will be a designated tent where unattended children will be taken until retrieved by their family."

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the base, including parking lots, the flight line, and any aircraft or vendor tents. However, there will be identified designated smoking areas set up.

In the event of a police, fire, or medical emergency, please dial 911 and state that you are at Tyndall to be transferred. Non-emergencies should be reported to the 325th SFS Law Enforcement Desk at 850-283-COPS (2677). Please note that police may be identified by their military uniform with berets or civilian style police uniforms. There will also be numerous other fire department and medical personnel in uniform. Any first responders or air show staff may be contacted to report any incidents in person.

"We look forward to working with the members of the public as we aim to ensure a safe environment for our community during what we believe will be an incredible show," Tyndall police officials emphasized.
For more information on the airshow or security and safety tips visit Gulfcoastsalute.com