KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
Before thousands of people pack into Kauffman Stadium for All-Star weekend, dozens of police and security personnel will pack into a command center, turning to social media to help make sure it goes off without a hitch.
It is the calm before the storm at the Emergency Operations Center in Kansas City, MO. This is where the police social media task force will set up shop during the All-Star break.
"It is a great tool. It is instant information, quick and fast," Sgt. Stacey Graves, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City Police Department, said.
Police have been using social media like Twitter and Facebook for quite some time, but now they have a new way to get in touch with thousands of people almost instantly.
"The goal is to provide any type of notifications, be it road closures emergency situations, traffic," Graves said.
The department's text-alert system will get it's first major test during the All-Star break.
"Everybody has a cell phone, and this information is instant right in your hand. Even if you are in the thick of a traffic situation you can get that alert and know which way to go," Graves said.
Graves also said the new alert system is already paying off, and will be a great resource during a chaotic weekend.
Want to sign-up? Just text "All-Star KC" to 888-777 or click here and enter your information.
Anyone can follow the Kansas City, MO, Police Department on Twitter or through Facebook.
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