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Cincinnati public safety officials are urging BLINK visitors to sign up for CincyAlert before the festival begins Oct. 8. The Smart911-powered system can send emergency, weather, traffic and road-closure notifications by text, email, phone or app. Officials are preparing additional police, fire and emergency resources as BLINK is expected to attract more than 2 million visitors.
Cincinnati public safety officials are urging BLINK visitors to sign up for CincyAlert before the four-day festival begins Oct. 8.
The city’s emergency alert system, powered by Smart911, can send residents and visitors information about emergencies, severe weather, road closures and other public safety issues.
CincyAlert can send updates directly to phones
CincyAlert allows users to choose the types of alerts they want to receive and how they receive them.
The system can send most notifications by text message or email. Urgent emergency alerts can also be delivered by phone call, according to the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center.
Nathan Halm, public information officer for Cincinnati’s Emergency Communications Center, said the system helps officials reach people directly rather than relying on them to monitor social media.
Officials are highlighting the system as part of preparations for BLINK, which is expected to draw more than 2 million visitors across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
People can sign up for BLINK-related alerts by texting BLINK2026 to 77295.
Smart911 provides additional information during 911 calls
Smart911 also allows users to create a safety profile with information that could help emergency dispatchers.
The profile can include phone numbers, addresses and other details that a caller chooses to provide. When someone makes a 911 call from a phone connected to the profile, the 911 system can automatically display the information to the call-taker.
The Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center said Smart911 participation does not change the level of emergency service provided to people who do not use the system.
Officials are encouraging visitors to provide their current location when calling 911, even if they have a Smart911 profile.
Public safety preparations underway for BLINK
Cincinnati officials are activating the city’s Emergency Operations Center throughout BLINK and preparing additional public safety resources for the event.
Officials said nearly 100 police officers will be dedicated to BLINK in addition to regular district coverage. Fire and ambulance crews will also operate within the event area.
BLINK runs Oct. 8-11, with the festival spanning more than 30 city blocks from Findlay Market through Cincinnati and into Covington. The free event features projection mapping, light installations, interactive artwork and murals.
The city also plans extensive street closures during the festival. Cincinnati says additional streets could close if traffic or crowd conditions require them, while residential access will be maintained with police assistance.
Visitors can prepare by signing up for CincyAlert, reviewing BLINK maps and transportation information, and checking road closures before heading downtown.
FAQs
How many people are expected at BLINK?
Cincinnati officials are preparing for more than 2 million visitors during the festival. Public safety plans include nearly 100 police officers dedicated to BLINK, along with fire and ambulance crews.
What kinds of information could BLINK visitors receive?
Alerts can provide important information about public safety situations, traffic conditions, road closures and other circumstances that could affect people attending the festival.
What should visitors do if they get separated from their group?
Visitors should establish a meeting location before entering crowded areas and keep their phones charged. If someone is in immediate danger or needs emergency assistance, they should call 911 and provide their location.
