Boston is planning a central command center in the Seaport to coordinate public safety, transportation, public health and emergency management for the World Cup and other tourist events this summer.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joined city public safety, transportation, and emergency preparedness officials in the Seaport on Thursday to discuss preparations ahead of this summer’s large-scale events across the city. Those plans include the launch of a Special Events Command Center, where local, state and federal agencies will work together.
“It strengthens our ability to share information, coordinate resources, and maintain situational awareness in real time during large-scale events and emergencies,” said Adrian Jordan, the city’s chief of emergency preparedness. “As a centralized hub for planning, communication, decision-making, the command center strengthens our ability to support safe and successful events for residents, visitors, businesses, and anyone who will spend time in our city throughout the summer.”
Millions will flood Greater Boston this summer starting next weekend for the FIFA World Cup matches in Foxborough. The matches coincide with upcoming celebrations for America250 and Sail Boston, which are also expected to bring an influx of visitors.
The command center will operate on all World Cup match days, and will be partially active on days when Fan Fest activities are taking place without a match at Boston Stadium.
Wu said the city launched a similar command center for the first time during this year’s Boston Marathon.
“I heard from not only our city team members, but partner agencies at the state level saying it’s just important … to have spaces where we can make decisions to manage and react to and also preempt any of the little things that might pop up,” she said.
Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said there will be a large police presence throughout all major events the city is hosting this summer.
Cox said they are expecting 20,000 people to pass through South Station on World Cup match days.
“We know that there could be substantial pedestrian traffic and traffic in and around that area,” he said. “We will have multiple police presence down there to make sure traffic flow is going in coordination with the city.”
Nick Grove, the city’s interim chief of streets, said the city is encouraging visitors and commuters to use public transportation when traveling into and around Boston on match days and during Sail Boston.
Grove said they have also developed a comprehensive transportation and operations plan that includes temporary traffic restrictions, changes to curbside regulations and designated livery bus and rideshare pickup and drop-off locations.
Wu added that “throughout the summer, transportation teams will actively monitor conditions and make adjustments in real time to keep people moving safely and efficiently.”
Boston EMS Chief Jim Hooley said the city will provide medical support during the FIFA World Cup at Fan Fest, organized fan marches and around South Station. Paramedics will also be stationed throughout the Charles River Esplanade on July 4 for the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
For Sail Boston, Hooley said EMS will be posted throughout the Seaport, East Boston and Charlestown to treat minor conditions.
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the city’s commissioner of public health, said they have been tracking infectious diseases that could impact Boston residents and “there are currently no immediate threats.”
Ojikutu said data also shows that there’s an increase of domestic violence and sexual assault during major sporting events.
“We have partnered with the City of Boston, with the City of Cambridge and with Jane Doe Inc. to deepen our network and build capacity among survivor-serving organizations and youth workers to ensure that survivors from all backgrounds can access safety and support,” she said.
Ojikutu urges people to look out for those around them.
“We need to protect ourselves as well as our neighbors,” she said. “As was said before me, if you see something, say something.”
Cox said people should also be aware of possible ticket scams around World Cup matches and other large-scale events happening in the city.
“Certainly use official websites for ticketing and things of that nature while you’re here to make sure that you don’t succumb to some type of fraud,” he said. “Use your major credit cards because they do provide some type of protection.”
Jordan said he recommends that all residents and visitors sign up for Alert Boston on the city’s website to ensure that they can receive emergency notifications directly.
