by Public Affairs, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management | June 26, 2017

The City of Philadelphia and Welcome America are inviting you to make great memories by celebrating our nation’s independence, right here in the footprint of where history happened!

Spanning six days and over 50 free events across the city, Welcome America looks to have something for everyone who comes to Philly for July 4th.

The Office of Emergency Management wants you to have fun and be safe by being informed.

Read the City’s article for everything you need to know about July 4th in Philly 

What to Know Before You Go

Look online. Plan your visit and map your trip by visiting Welcome America and City of Philadelphia websites. The city’s homepage will also have information on impact to city services or travel.

Coming to the Parkway on July 4th?

Have questions like “What can I bring?”. Welcome America has answers in their FAQs.

If you’re taking mass transit, check out SEPTA’s special Independence Day service information or social media for system status or schedules. Getting a ride? The area around the Franklin Institute at 20th and Race Streets is a good location to get dropped off or picked up by family. Also a good spot if you’re hailing paid ride services.

Stay hydrated and cool. There will be free water filling stations around the Parkway, so bring your reusable water container. Also look for the misting tents if you should need to cool off.

If you need medical help, the Philadelphia Fire Department will have paramedics wearing distinctive red shirts. Look for EMS medical tents located on the north and south sides of the Parkway, identified by the red and white striped tops.

Philadelphia Police will stand out in the crowd as they will be wearing brightly colored neon vests. If you have a question or concern that is not an emergency, visit an information booth on the Parkway.

Have a question or concern that is not an emergency on the 4th? Philadelphia’s non-emergency service, Philly311, will have holiday hours. There will also be information booths will be available along the Parkway.

If you get separated from children or family, the Red Cross will have a Family Reunification tent located on the north side of the Parkway, east of Eakins Oval.

Know where you are with Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s Parkway location signs. The markers are posted along the Parkway to clearly and easily identify a location or section by letter and number. If you are meeting up with friends, family or need first-responder assistance, these markers make it easier to find you.

Bringing kids? Dress them in bright colors and take a picture of them to keep on your phone if you get separated. Write your phone number on a wristband or their arm. Choose a place to meet in case you do get separated.

Be healthy. Bring plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-sugary drinks that will last you through your visit to any of the over 50 free events.

Know your surroundings. Be an observer when you arrive at your event. Be sure to look for the exits, restrooms, and the locations of medical tents or first-aid stations. The public is involved in public safety. If you see suspicious activity, See Something, Say Something, call Philadelphia Police 9-1-1.

Use the City’s non-emergency number, 3-1-1, for any general questions. Follow and reach out to Philly311 on Twitter.

Stay connected to important emergency or weather information. Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia, the City’s mass notification system. Receive free text or email alerts direct to your phone with information from the National Weather Service, the City, and SEPTA through ReadyPhiladelphia. Follow @PhiladelphiaGov @PhilaOEM and @July4thPhilly for event information.

Check the weather before leaving your house, or hotel. Use the real time forecast page from the National Weather Service Mount Holly. Listen or watch local news outlets for more information. ReadyPhiladelphia will bring you severe weather alerts direct from the National Weather Service to your inbox or home-screen when advisories, watches or warnings are issued.