Minnesota State Fair Staff
Emergency Response App

Emergencies (and to reach Dispatch Center for police, fire and medical):
911

Help Keep Our Fair Safe
As a staff member, you know your area of the fairgrounds better than anyone. This puts you in a unique position to recognize when someone or something seems out of place. Please help keep our fair safe by reporting suspicious activity to 911.

Minnesota State Fair Emergency Priorities

The Board of Managers and CEO hold the safety of Minnesota State Fair guests, exhibitors, vendors and all who work at the State Fair to be paramount. 

This emergency management plan is designed to provide pertinent information regarding emergency situations and important guidelines to support a safe and timely recovery. 

It is not intended to cover every potential problem or threat, but to serve as a guide upon which you can base your actions and decisions. Please take the time to read and understand the material in order to be better prepared to react responsibly in the event of an emergency. 

This plan is reviewed annually by the Minnesota State Fair Emergency Management Team, Minnesota State Fair Police Department, State Fair operations staff, and representatives of other public safety and security agencies. 

(Information subject to change.)
(August 2024)

Please read and understand the guidelines outlined in this app; they may be helpful in the critical first phase of an emergency (see separate listings in this app for detailed instructions regarding specific emergencies). 

• Remain calm and assess the situation. The safety of all is paramount. 
• You may never be presented with an emergency, but for your protection and the general welfare of all, it is important that you be prepared. 

Emergencies (and to reach Dispatch Center for police, fire and medical):
911

Reporting an Incident 

1. If you see or hear an emergency incident, call 911 for immediate assistance.  
2. Say “I’m calling from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.”
3. Wait for an acknowledgment from dispatcher; then say, “This is (your name and department/booth/area/location). There is a (police, fire, medical, machinery, midway ride, etc.)-type emergency. The location is (street and nearby intersection, permanent vendor building, major landmark, grid coordinates from emergency map, etc.). Please send help.”
4. Wait for an acknowledgment, and then answer any questions. 
5. If you can see a police officer or other emergency worker, advise them of the situation. 
6. If necessary, instruct someone nearby to call for help. 

Taking Action in an Emergency 
You will most likely need to take one of three actions:

a) Shelter in place (get inside a building);

b) Evacuate (a building); or

c) Run, hide, fight (in case of an active threat)

The State Fair has prepared an easy-to-read flier of the above emergency procedure actions. Please share this with all staff by posting it in your workplace or providing it as a handout or text during training. (If you’d like assistance with printing or making copies, please contact guestservices@mnstatefair.org.)

In the event of an emergency, keep calm and safe; keep people away from any immediate danger area; continue to help. 

In addition to calling 911: 

• Small fire: Use ABC extinguisher. 
• Injured person: Keep person calm and quiet; offer assistance, directions and resources; ask others for assistance in standing on the street, at building entrance, etc. to flag down first responders who may have difficulty finding the injured person in a crowd.
• Violence/threats/robbery: Keep safe; do not provoke; notice details. 
• Bomb threat: Follow special procedures under separate tab in this app. 
• Crowd surge: Be a calm example; speak with authority; direct people to safety. 

Urgent Message Communication
When urgent messages, primarily focused on severe weather and public safety, are needed, every effort will be made to communicate information using a tiered communication system as follows:

• Text messages will be sent to Minnesota State Fair full-time staff from the Emergency Operations Center.
• Text messages will be sent via a State Fair-staffed text service to superintendents, managers, vendors and other area coordinators. If you have questions about this text list, please contact your State Fair full time staff liaison for information.
• Superintendents, managers, vendors and area coordinators will then communicate messages to their staff through their own system and process.
• In rare instances (such as imminent severe weather and other urgent public safety situations), a fairgrounds-wide emergency text alert system will be used to communicate to all cell phones within the fairgrounds area.

For additional communication information, refer to the “Severe Weather” tab of this app.

1. To report a lost person, call 911.
2. State Fair Police will initiate search and file a report. 
3. While you are waiting for a police officer to arrive to assist parents/guardians, for example, call Care & Assistance, 651-288-4556, to see if the lost child/vulnerable adult has already been taken to C&A; report what you find out to the responding police officer. This is a helpful action you can take while parents/guardians are anxiously waiting for a police officer. 

4. In most instances, individuals are reunited with their party within a short amount of time. If a lost child or vulnerable adult is not reunited with their party, a State Fair Police officer will accompany the lost person to Care & Assistance (located across from West End Market, on West Dan Patch Avenue) to await their party. The police officer may request that you call Care & Assistance, 651-288-4556, to notify them that an officer is on the way with a lost person; give a description of the person.

1. Stop and assess the situation. 
2. Call 911.
3. State how many persons and type of injury, illness or symptoms, and your location.
   
4. While waiting for help to arrive: 
   • Be calm, seek help of others if needed, particularly those who are trained in first aid and/or CPR; keep immediate area clear. 

   • Send someone to retrieve the nearest AED if person is unresponsive.

   • Stop the bleeding.

   • Do not move an injured person unless the person is in a life-threatening or dangerous situation. 

   • Keep injured person calm, quiet and comfortable – reassure person. 
   • Send someone to guide medical team to location, if needed, by standing at nearest intersection, building entrance, etc. 
5. Wait for medical personnel to arrive; follow their instructions and help as needed. 
6. For those with minor injuries (trips, falls or those who can easily walk or transport themselves in their wheelchair/scooter), encourage person to visit First Aid East or West, whichever is closer (see below for locations). Go with person if needed.
7. If slightly injured person refuses first aid, make certain that the injured person is aware that a visit to the First Aid station is free. 
8. Reports and appropriate forms will be completed by responding medical personnel or First Aid, whoever treats the person. 
9. Please note that the Health Fair 11 exhibit is NOT a First Aid center. Instead, please direct people to one of the First Aid stations below.
   
10. At the present time, face coverings are not required by staff and visitors to the First Aid stations.
    • First Aid West: Located across from West End Market, next to police station, at 1834 West Dan Patch Ave. (See State Fair Map tab) 
      • Open pre-fair Saturday through Monday, Aug. 17-19, 8 a.m to 4 p.m.; and Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 20-21, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
      • Fair time, Aug. 22-Sept. 2: 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily (10:30 p.m. Labor Day)
      • Post-fair: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • First Aid East: Located on the street level of the north side of the 4-H Building on Cosgrove Street; open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily during the fair (8 p.m. on Labor Day). (See State Fair Map tab) 
    • AED Locations: Noted on the State Fair Map tab of this app. 
    • Eye-wash Stations: Noted on the State Fair Map tab of this app.

When an active shooter is in your vicinity, call 911.

RUN 

• Have an escape route and plan in mind. 
• Leave your belongings behind. 
• Help others escape or move calmly to a safe location if possible, and discourage individuals from entering the area. 
• Keep your hands visible to responding police officers. 
• Wounded individuals will be treated and/or moved by emergency personnel. 

 
HIDE  

• Instruct those in danger area to take cover. 
• Hide in a protected area out of the active shooter’s view. 
• Hide behind large items (i.e., trees, benches, displays, tables, under counters, etc.).
  Remain quiet. 
• Lock or barricade all doors; stay out of sight. 
• Remain in place until “all clear” is given by authorities. 
• If possible, shut off all lights and turn off other sources of noise.  
• Silence cell phones (but do not turn off). 
• Keep calm; do not escalate the situation. 

 
FIGHT 

• This is a last resort – and ONLY when your life is in imminent danger. 
• Attempt to incapacitate the shooter. Act with physical aggression. Do not fight fair – lives are at stake! 
• Group actions may be more successful than an individual effort. 
• Throw items at the shooter if possible. 
• Yelling can be used as a manner of distraction. 

 
When law enforcement arrives: 

• If possible, inform arriving police officers of exact situation before they enter danger area. 
• Remain calm and follow instructions. 
• Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets, etc.). 
• Raise hands and spread fingers. 
• Keep hands visible at all times. 
• Avoid quick movements toward police officers such as holding on to them for safety. 
• Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling. 
• Do not stop to ask police officers for help or direction when evacuating.

This training video illustrates a RUN, HIDE, FIGHT scenario. You may find this information helpful if an incident were to occur. 

Crimes include incidents of assault, threats, robbery, theft, vandalism, etc. 

1. Let the State Fair Police handle the situation. Don’t put yourself in jeopardy or resist.  
2. Report all crimes immediately to 911.
3. State location and type of incident; keep yourself safe. 
4. While waiting for police officers to arrive, observe the situation. 
   • Encourage any witnesses to stay at the scene for potential follow-up by law enforcement. Get names, addresses and phone numbers if they are unable or unwilling to stay on scene.
   • Attempt to identify items of evidence; protect them from being touched by you and others. 
   • Observe suspect’s escape direction if applicable. 
   • Write notes to describe suspects and any other information that may assist in apprehension. 
5. Do not discuss details with anyone except persons directly involved in the investigation. 
6. Remain on-site until released by the proper authority.

The State Fair works directly with the National Weather Service to stay informed in the event severe weather approaches the area. 

Notifications of impending severe weather (such as high winds, tornadoes, dangerous lightning, etc.) will be communicated throughout the fairgrounds as follows: 

• Via a text service, State Fair staff will notify superintendents, vendors and area coordinators, who will then communicate with their employees, booths, exhibitors, et. al., in their areas. For more information about this process, refer to the Emergency Actions – What to Do section of this app. 
• Severe weather notifications and updates will be posted on the Updates page on the State Fair’s website (mnstatefair.org); on the LED boards at the Grandstand and livestock area; if applicable, on the State Fair’s social media accounts; and given to the fair’s phone operators and information booths.
• Announcements will be made at the Grandstand and the fair’s free entertainment stages, including Bandshell, International Bazaar, Schilling Amphitheater at West End Market and Family Fair Stage.The free entertainment stage announcements are read in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
• A siren located on Como Avenue (at the south end of the fairgrounds), controlled by Ramsey County, may sound. 
• State Fair Police squad cars equipped with public address (PA) systems will drive through the fairgrounds directing people to move into buildings. 
• In the Campground, squad cars will be dispatched to instruct campers to shelter in the lower level of the water tower or the 4-H Building. Officers will stay with campers until the all-clear is sounded. 

In the event of imminent severe weather, guests should seek shelter in buildings, vehicles, etc. Severe weather shelters are marked on State Fair maps. Vendors and employees should close up their areas and also seek shelter. 

If it is after hours, State Fair staff and building superintendents will open up severe weather shelters if they are closed. State Fair police or security personnel will assist as needed.

See State Fair map tab for location of severe weather shelters.

See separate Grandstand tab for Grandstand evacuation and inclement weather plans.

Grandstand shows go on rain or shine; although severe weather may cause a delay. 

The following applies to staff and vendors specifically assigned to the Grandstand venue. (All other fair staff, vendors, area coordinators and others not specifically assigned to the Grandstand will be notified as needed via the text message system.) 

Evacuation 
In the event the Grandstand concert area needs to be evacuated: 

• Supervisors will be informed about the evacuation via a text service; they will then communicate to their staff.
• Guests will be asked to evacuate the scene in an orderly fashion in an announcement made from the Grandstand stage and on the venue’s LED screens. This information will also be posted on the Updates page on the State Fair’s website (mnstatefair.org), the State Fair’s social media accounts, and given to the fair’s phone operators and information booths.
• Staff will direct guests according to the evacuation map (see below) and will follow the instructions of Grandstand and event management. 
• In the event of severe weather, the Grandstand building shopping area is a severe weather shelter, and guests should be directed there. 
• If it is after 9 p.m. and the Grandstand building shopping area has closed, the building will reopen as a severe weather shelter as needed, and Grandstand venue ushers and State Fair Police officers will be present in the building. 
• Updates and the all-clear will be given via the above notification procedure as information becomes available. Concertgoers will need to present their ticket for readmission to the Grandstand concert area.

• If the building is evacuated for reasons other than severe weather, exhibitors/concessionaires will only be readmitted to the building when deemed possible by State Fair operations in coordination with the sales department.

  
  

Lightning 
Access to Grandstand seating may be delayed if threatening lightning is in the area. (Among other factors, this is defined as lightning within 10 miles of the venue and occurring less than 30 minutes apart; each occurrence of lightning will reset the 30-minute clock.) 

• The decision to delay will come from the CEO, Grandstand Production representatives, Entertainment Director and Deputy General Manager/Operations in conjunction with visiting and house production personnel. If a decision to delay a show is made, above evacuation procedures will take place. 
• The Entertainment Director will notify appropriate personnel, and a preestablished communication chain will be enacted. Notifications and updates will then be posted on the Updates page on the State Fair’s website (mnstatefair.org), on the LED boards at the Grandstand, on the State Fair’s social media accounts, and given to the fair’s phone operators and information booths.
• Updates and the all-clear will be given via the above notification procedure as information becomes available. In the event of an evacuation, concertgoers will need to present their ticket for readmission to the Grandstand concert area. 

Show Start Delays 
If a Grandstand show start is going to be delayed (due to weather or otherwise) for more than 15 minutes, the same notification procedures noted above under “Lightning” will apply. 

Show Interruptions 

• If a Grandstand show is interrupted for any reason (weather or otherwise), the same notification procedure noted above under “Lightning” will apply.  
• If the interruption is due to severe weather, and the venue is evacuated, the above evacuation procedures will take place.  
• Concertgoers will need to present their ticket for readmission to the Grandstand concert area. Patrons without tickets should be directed to the Grandstand Ticket Office, located at the east Grandstand Plaza.  

Show Cancellation 

• The decision to cancel a Grandstand show will be made by the CEO in conjunction with Grandstand Production representatives, Entertainment Director, visiting production, and the State Fair Chief of Police or representative.
• Once a decision to cancel a show has been made, it will be communicated to staff via the above notification process, as well as via the State Fair website on the Updates page (mnstatefair.org), Grandstand LED message boards, the State Fair’s social media accounts, and given to the fair phone operators, Guest Relations at Visitors Plaza, and information booths. Ticket information will be communicated as soon as possible.
• ONLY IF A SHOW IS CANCELED and if it is determined that patrons will receive a refund: 
  • If a patron purchased tickets through Etix or the Minnesota State Fair using a credit card, the credit card used to purchase the tickets will automatically be credited. 
  • If tickets were purchased through Etix or the Minnesota State Fair using cash or personal check, the tickets must be returned in order to receive a refund. Tickets and contact information can be mailed to: MSF Tickets, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108 
  • Neither the Minnesota State Fair nor Etix are able to assist with concert ticket purchases made from other sources such as third-party sellers or the secondary market.
  • Questions? Email tickets@mnstatefair.org or call the State Fair Ticket Office, 651-288-4467. 

For Grandstand, see separate Grandstand Procedures section.

For other State Fair buildings such as the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum, if the area needs to be evacuated:

• Police, fire and other appropriate personnel will be dispatched to the scene.

• Guests will be asked to evacuate the scene in an orderly fashion.

• If the situation warrants, supervisors, area coordinators and vendors will be informed about the evacuation via a text service; they will then communicate to their staff, exhibitors, guests and others.

• If the situation warrants, evacuation notification will also be posted on the Updates page on the State Fair’s website (mnstatefair.org), the State Fair’s social media accounts, and given to the fair’s phone operators and information booths.

• Staff will direct guests to nearest exit.

• Once the structure is secure, police officers will remain on the scene for security.

• Updates and the all-clear will be given via the above notification procedure as information becomes available.

• Exhibitors/concessionaires will only be readmitted to the building when deemed possible by State Fair operations in coordination with the sales department.

If the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or the heat index is expected to be at least 100 degrees for three hours or more, State Fair operations staff in consultation with Assistant Chief of EMS Operations and the State Fair Chief of Police or representative will activate a heat emergency plan. 

• If there are major changes in scheduling and activities due to the heat, these will be communicated via text message to full-time staff, supervisors, area coordinators and vendors; they will then communicate to their staff, exhibitors, guests and others.
• In addition, this information will be posted on the Updates page on the State Fair’s website (mnstatefair.org) and the State Fair’s social media accounts. Information booths and the fair operators (who answer the general fair line 651-288-4400) will also have this information. 
• Each entrance gate will advise patrons of the heat advisory. Media should be notified so this may be broadcast to alert the public before coming out to the fairgrounds.
• Employees and guests are urged to take appropriate precautions:
  • Drink plenty of water. 
  • Wear sunscreen. 
  • Take breaks from walking and standing, and seek shade and cool areas as necessary. 
  • Utilize misting stations that will be set up by State Fair operations staff at First Aid East and West and other designated areas throughout the fairgrounds; a misting station will be set up near the Haunted House following the parade for marching band members. See an information booth for misting station locations. 
  • If employees and guests feel ill, they should visit First Aid East or West; in an emergency, call 911. 

Remain calm. Do not panic; panic can cause more harm than the bomb threat.

Write down the exact wording of the threat. Use the lists below to record as many details as you can concerning the threat. Have these notes ready for authorities. 

1. Note time of threat 
2. If bomb threat is received by phone, ask: 
   • Where is the bomb located? 
   • When is the bomb going to explode? 
   • What kind of bomb is it? 
   • What does it look like? 
   • Why did you place the bomb? 
   • What is your name and address? 
3. Write down notes about the caller’s voice such as: 
   • Loud or Soft 
   • High or Low/Deep 
   • Male or female tones 
   • Intoxicated or Slurred 
   • Calm, Excited, Fast or Slow, Angry 
   • Speech impediments 
   • Nasal 
   • Distinguished 
   • Accent 
   • Familiar – who does it sound like? 
   • Other characteristics 
4. Write down notes about the background sounds such as: 
   • Voices 
   • Airplanes, Trains, Street Traffic 
   • Quiet 
   • Animals 
   • Music 
   • Factory, Office, Machinery 
   • Other 
5. Write down notes about the threat language such as:
   
   • Foul 
   • Incoherent 
   • Message Taped 
   • Irrational 
   • Well-Spoken/Educated 
   • Message Was Read
6. When the caller is off the line, call 911; do not use the radio.
7. Summarize in writing everything you can remember about the call.
8. Do not make a public announcement. 
9. If you are on-site, while you are waiting for authorities to arrive: 
   • Do not clear building of people; this decision will be made by State Fair Police.
   • Do not touch or move any strange objects. 
   • Notice any suspicious people in the area. 
   • Assemble key people who know the building to assist police in the search. 
10. When State Fair Police arrive, follow instructions and assist in any way you can. 

1. Do not touch, tamper with, or move. 
2. Immediately phone 911.
3. Notice any suspicious people in the area. 
4. State Fair Police will determine whether evacuation or other action is necessary; follow instructions of the police.

• Should an employee encounter a spill or other incident where blood or other bodily fluids require cleanup, the employee should cordon off the area. 
• Immediately contact the Sanitation Department at 651-288-4499.  
• Only individuals who have received prior training on the proper procedures and precautions for this type of spill or incident are to assist with cleanup. 

Report all threats against you or the State Fair immediately by calling 911.

Follow this guidance:  

• Do not challenge, answer back, upset or further provoke the person making the violent threats. 
• Do not make sudden movements.
• Do not discuss details with anyone except persons directly involved in the investigation.
• Do remain on-site until released by the proper authority.

If a demonstration starts on the fairgrounds, immediately call 911.

If a demonstration is taking place inside or outside the fairgrounds that will significantly disrupt regular business, scheduled activities or traffic, alerts and updates will be sent via text to full-time staff, supervisors and area coordinators and posted on the Updates page on the State Fair website (mnstatefair.org) and the State Fair’s social media accounts. Information booths and the fair operators (who answer the general fair line 651-288-4400) will also have this information.

1. Call 911.
2. Guard from personal injury. 
3. Keep calm; do not escalate the situation. 
4. Instruct others in the danger area to move calmly to a safe location or to take cover. 
5. State Fair Police officers will be dispatched to the scene and will work with the appropriate livestock or animal staff to address the situation. 
6. Follow instructions and assist as needed.

• Call 911. 
• Exercise extreme caution, since motivating factors of suspects cannot be determined. 
• State Fair Police will handle the situation and apprehension of suspects.

• Call 911. 
• Sound alarm in a calm voice for people in the immediate vicinity; pull fire alarm if one is nearby. 
• Direct Fire Department to fire if needed; help clear crowds from immediate area at direction of emergency personnel; decision to clear a building will be made by Fire Department or police on the scene. 

LARGE-SCALE DISASTER 

• Call 911.  
• Examples of a large-scale disaster include an explosion, toxic cloud release, high wind or tornado, midway ride collapse, structural collapse, crowd surge, airplane crash, etc. 
• Set an example by remaining calm. 
• Help clear crowds to a safe area or toward exits.  
• Assist any injured. 
• Stand by to help emergency workers, or report to your department.  

Protocol for Staff Check-In and Phone Calls to Family Members  
During or following a large-scale emergency/disaster, staff members must be accounted for.  

• Employees should check in with their immediate supervisor as soon as it is safe and feasible to do so.
• Following a large-scale emergency, certain staff members may be required to remain on the job. In this case, every staff member shall make one phone call to family. Staff should explain this procedure to their families so family members will not call in, overloading the phone system. In many cases, a simple text message with “I’m OK”-type language is often easiest. 
• If there is widespread damage in the community, State Fair managers/supervisors will provide a way for employees to check in with their families.

• Crowds may panic/run because of real or imagined incidents, causing unnecessary injury.  
• Call 911. 
• Avoid getting into the crowd or being “run over.” 
• As needed, point out the nearest exits. 

The Minnesota State Fair continues to follow current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Information on monitoring symptoms, wearing a mask, taking precautions, testing and calculating isolation based on illness and exposure to Covid-19 can be found on the CDC Covid-19 webpage and the Minnesota Department of Health webpage.

Everyone is encouraged to self-monitor and follow health and safety guidelines as noted on the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health websites.

Media Hotline:
651-288-4321 or email media@mnstatefair.org

The Minnesota State Fair marketing & communications department will be the first point of contact with the media. Please refer all media inquiries politely but firmly to the media hotline. Do not offer information or respond to questions.

If approached by the media, say, “I am sorry, but I am not authorized to comment or release information regarding the situation. Please contact our media relations team at 651-288-4321.”

If approached by the public, say, “I am sorry, but I am not authorized to comment or release information regarding the situation. If you would like to follow up, please call the fair’s general number at 651-288-4400 or email fairinfo@mnstatefair.org.”

Label Telephones 
Maintaining communications during an emergency is important. All supervisors, vendors and exhibitors should make sure their telephone locations are labeled with their location (building, street address, block number, nearest intersection or other landmarks) and the following emergency phone number: 

Emergencies : 911

Led by State Fair CEO and members of the fair’s senior leadership, the Emergency Management Team includes representatives of the State Fair Police Department, operations, media relations & communications, midway & attractions, and other medical, public safety and security agencies.

Our comprehensive public safety plan is developed and implemented in partnership with multiple agencies and experts at local, state and federal levels, and every part of our operation is continually evaluated and enhanced.

State Fair Fire Protection: Complete fire protection for the fairgrounds is provided by in-house Life Safety personnel and the City of Saint Paul Fire Department. 

State Fair Emergency Medical Services: Medical first-aid, emergency medical services and hospital transportation are provided on the fairgrounds through a tiered system employing on-site contracted medical aid personnel and the City of Saint Paul Fire Department. A first aid charge nurse is on-call at the fairgrounds to coordinate emergency medical services.