EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 El Paso is bracing for a busy weekend as several large-scale events are expected to draw big crowds and bring heavier traffic across the region.<\/p>\n
BTS concerts, Michelada Fest, Comic Con, and the Sol Summit Music Festival are among the events expected to increase congestion and activity throughout the city. <\/p>\n
With more people on the roads and at crowded venues, the El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office issued a safety advisory, warning residents to plan for delays and to stay alert.<\/p>\n
According to the Sheriff\u2019s Office, it will be actively monitoring the events and surrounding areas along with increasing its law enforcement presence to help ensure public safety.<\/p>\n
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte urged residents and visitors to remain aware and make responsible decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cLarge events bring excitement and energy to our community, but they also require everyone to stay alert and make smart choices. Our deputies will be out in full force to keep our community safe, and we ask the public to do their part by remaining aware, reporting suspicious activity, and planning ahead,\u201d Ugarte said.<\/p>\n
The Sheriff\u2019s Office encouraged people attending events to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel because of heavy traffic and possible road closures. <\/p>\n
Officials also urged people not to drive under the influence, recommending a designated sober driver or a rideshare service.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the El Paso Office of Emergency Management said multiple agencies have been preparing for months for this weekend’s events. <\/p>\n
“So the Office of Emergency Management has been working with other city entities, external partners, and UTEP regarding the planning for the upcoming BTS concert,” Bryan Silva, assistant chief of the El Paso Fire Department, told KFOX14\/CBS4 on Friday. “During the event, we’ll have our Emergency Operations Center, EOC, partially activated to ensure that communications between all agencies are real-time and coordinated appropriately.” <\/p>\n
City officials say this is a joint effort including Sun Metro, El Paso Police, Fire, UTEP, and the Office of Emergency Management. <\/p>\n
According to officials, other safety tips include staying aware of surroundings in crowded areas, locking vehicles, and keeping valuables out of sight, reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement, keeping a close eye on children, and setting a meeting point in case someone gets separated, and following posted traffic signs and directions from law enforcement personnel.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: CBP warns border travelers of delays at ports of entries due to BTS concert<\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Guide: UTEP issues Sun Bowl BTS fan guide outlines parking, ticketing, general information<\/a><\/p>\n