With the Vaisakhi Parade quickly approaching, Surrey Police Service wants to remind everyone of some helpful safety tips that can make the event a safe and happy one for everyone.

It can be very easy for people to become separated from their group or loved ones in the large crowds in and around the Parade. During previous Vaisakhi celebrations, the police and emergency services partners have responded to dozens of incidents of missing children or elderly persons.

This year, to help reunite lost loved ones with family members, SPS and our partners will be working with South Fraser Search & Rescue Society who will have a Command Post located on the northeast corner of 124 Street and 80 Avenue and they will have volunteers to handle all missing person’s reports. The phone number that the public can call to report a missing person at the Parade is 778-826-0727.

A safety plan for the celebrations may include these simple tips:

• Save the day-of-the-event Missing Person Report Line Phone number (778-826-0727) in your phone.
• Take a family photo before you leave the house on the morning of the Parade, this will help in locating them if needed.
• Familiarize your family members with their surroundings and have a pre-planned meeting place for the end of the event or in case you get separated.
• Make sure your family members have some form of identification and your contact information.
• Keep your children within eyesight at all times.
• If a family member goes missing, notify the nearest police officer or Search and Rescue volunteer.
• We encourage people to leave their pets at home, as they may become easily startled and scared with all the people and loud noises.

On the day of the Parade, road closures will be in place from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Delays should be expected for travel between 72 Avenue to 88 Avenue, and Scott Road to King George Boulevard. For a full list of road closures and route details please visit the City of Surrey’s website. Police ask that members of the public make arrangements ahead of time to use alternate routes.

More Information on the event can also be found at https://www.surreypolice.ca/news-events/events/surrey-khalsa-day-vaisakhi-parade and https://www.surreyvaisakhiparade.com/.