The City of Ann Arbor issued a reminder on Apr. 2 for residents and visitors to celebrate responsibly as the University of Michigan men’s basketball team advances to the NCAA Division I tournament Final Four. Although Ann Arbor is not hosting any tournament games, city officials expect many people will gather locally to support the Wolverines this weekend.
City officials say it is important for everyone celebrating to keep safety in mind. The city encourages attendees of watch parties or those heading downtown to stay informed about road and lane closures by checking the City of Ann Arbor road and lane closure webpage. Real-time navigation updates are available through the Waze app, and closure alerts can be received for both Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County.
Police advise community members that large crowds can sometimes provide cover for criminal behavior, so vigilance is necessary. The city said if someone notices something potentially dangerous—such as an unattended object—they should move away from it and report it immediately rather than touching it. Suspicious behavior, such as someone taking photos of entryways or acting strangely at crowded venues, should also be reported right away.
Officials remind everyone that knowing their exact location can help emergency dispatchers respond more quickly in case assistance is needed. They recommend being observant about surroundings and providing a precise address or landmark when calling 911 from a mobile phone since dispatchers may not automatically receive location information unless called from a landline.
The fire department recommends identifying exits upon arrival at any venue because fires can occur unexpectedly during celebrations. The entrance used may not always be the safest exit in an emergency situation.
To further promote public safety, residents are urged to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or scheduling ride services before attending celebrations. For emergencies, people should call 911; if uncertain whether something qualifies as an emergency, they are still encouraged to call 911 rather than delay action.
