JSO offers information for those taking children to Monster Jam

Department suggests taking photos of each child attending event

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is offering information for those who plan to take their children, grandchildren or other kids with them to Monster Jam at EverBank Field this weekend.

Police suggested that parents, grandparents and guardians use a cellphone to take individual pictures of each child attending the event.

RELATED: Monster Jam takes over EverBank Field this weekend

"That way, if the unthinkable happens and a child gets separated from you, you have a picture of what they looked like that day and the picture can be immediately sent to stadium security and the police to help locate the child," the Sheriff's Office said.

The Sheriff's Office also suggested making a plan with your children in case you get separated in the crowds.

About 80,000 people are expected to fill EverBank Field for Monster Jam, an event that is likely to excite a lot of young children, said News4Jax crime and safety analyst Gil Smith. 

"During Monster Jam, kids really like the trucks and they start running around. They get really excited. They want to see Grave Digger and all these other ones," Smith said.

And it’s that running around that can cause a child to become disoriented in a sea of taller adults, and separated from their parents, explained Smith. 

"Once they become disoriented, it’s really going to take someone to assist them to get back with their parents," he said.

Smith said one way to prevent a small child from drifting away is by simply making sure parents hold their child's hand and keep a close eye on them at all times.

Monster Jam has scheduled two shows, at 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.


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