Ann Arbor, MI - Congratulations to the University of Michigan football team for their Rose Bowl victory! Although Ann Arbor isn’t hosting the National Championship game on Monday, Jan. 8, there will be many in our community cheering on the Wolverines. City of Ann Arbor police, fire and emergency management will have additional staff on duty, and fire inspectors will be conducting occupancy inspections to prevent over-crowding. The city is urging community members to celebrate the Wolverines first appearance in the CFP National Championship game responsibly by following a few reminders:

On-street parking restrictions

On-street parking restrictions will be in effect 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, for portions of the downtown:

 - South University Avenue between East University Avenue and South Forest Avenue.
 - Church Street between South University Avenue and Willard Street.
 - East Liberty Street between Thompson Street and State Street.
 - Maynard Street between East Liberty and East William streets.
 
Know before you go

Planning to attend a watch party? Keep up with scheduled road and lane closures in Ann Arbor, whether due to construction or special events, via the city road or lane closure webpage. Here, you can also sign up for alerts, via the envelope icon, and can use the WAZE map for a visual representation of closures. In addition, the WAZE app can be downloaded to a phone or other mobile device.

Celebrate safely

If you “See Something, Say Something.” Large crowds provide convenient cover for suspicious behavior, so stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you see something, such as an object that was left behind, do not touch it. Move a safe distance away and report it.  If you see someone taking pictures of entry/exit ways or acting strangely report the person right away.

Know where you are. It’s important to know where you are in case of an emergency. Emergency dispatchers won’t know your exact location unless you call from a landline. Dispatchers can send help more quickly with a precise street address, intersection, mile marker or well-known landmark. Be observant, know where you are, and if you have to call 911, don’t hang up until advised by dispatch to do so.

Know how to get out. Nobody expects a fire to start in the restaurant, bar or house where they’re enjoying the big game. But it does happen, so it is important to identify exits and emergency exits when you arrive. Remember, if there is a fire, the door you came in may not be the safest — or quickest — exit route.

Dress for the weather. Even though it may not be snowing, it’s cold in January. Frostbite and hypothermia are two common threats, so know the signs: Frostbite causes your skin to become very cold and red, then numb, and then hard and pale. Hypothermia causes your body temperature to drop and affects the brain, making you unable to think clearly or move well. To avoid them, dress appropriately in layered, loose fitting, water repellant, warm clothing.

Don’t drive under the influence. Before you attend any celebration, designate a sober driver before you go or schedule a ride service to get home safely.