CONVENTION TIP of the DAY - Friday, May 2, 2025 - Convention Website Page

EMERGENCY PLANS 

It is never too late to develop a plan with your FFA members attending the State FFA Convention or any event you attend with your students.  What plan? Plans for lunch, dinner, or workshops?

While all of those are very important, be sure to make a plan for what to do in case of an emergency.  

• Fire

• Tornado

• Accident

• Bus Breakdown 

• Any Emergency

Be sure to discuss ways to handle the situations in a calm and rational manner. Also, make a plan for the chapter members to meet up and how to check in just in case you get separated.  

Please click here for Maps of the Bank of Springfield Center for Evacuation purposes or for shelter.  

The maps and following instructions will also be located in your convention program:  

EVACUATION NOTICE (Fire/Emergency Exit):

Main Hall: If you are seated in the Mezzanine or Balcony, walk down the stairs or use the ramps to go to the Main Hall.  Do not use the elevators. If you are on the Main Hall, go out the nearest corner door in the Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, or Southeast corners of this building.  

Lower Level: If you are in one of the Lower Level meeting rooms, go out the nearest exit door (located on the West side of the lower level) or walk up the stairs to the Lobby.  Go out the Lobby doors. Do not use the elevators.

SHELTER IN PLACE (Tornado):

Main Hall: If you are seated in the Mezzanine or Balcony, use the ramps to go to the Main Hall.  If you are on the Main Hall, exit to the Lobby and take the North and South Lobby stairways leading to the Lower Level.  Do not use the elevators. Once in the Lower Level, BOS Center personnel will direct you to go into one of the rooms or hallways.  Please stay away from the glass doors and windows in the West corridor.

Lower Level: If you are in one of the Lower Level meeting rooms, BOS Center personnel will direct you to go into one of the rooms or hallways.  Please stay away from the glass doors and windows in the West corridor.

VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM Springfield Police Department:  

Please make sure your students always stay in groups and/or with chaperones.  Wandering off alone isn't safe in any city. Please make sure you and your students are always aware of your surroundings!  

Illinois FFA has also secured additional security with Sangamon County Deputies.