As Atlanta prepares for one of its busiest weekends of the year, City leaders say public safety teams are fully staffed and ready.
On Wednesday, Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks joined leaders from the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Rescue, E-911 and public safety partners to outline preparations for the Fourth of July holiday, the Northside Hospital Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, FIFA Fan Festival activities and Atlanta’s next FIFA World Cup 2026™ match.
The message: enjoy the weekend, but plan ahead and stay safe.
Public Safety Teams Continue Around-the-Clock Operations
Burks thanked the thousands of public safety professionals who have been working extended shifts throughout the FIFA World Cup.
“Long before the first fan march and long before the first whistle blew, Atlanta was preparing for this moment,” Burks said.
Since June 11, police officers, firefighters, Grady EMS crews, E-911 professionals and support staff have helped safely manage six World Cup matches, FIFA Fan Festival activities and hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors while continuing to respond to emergencies across the city.
Heat Is the Biggest Concern
Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief Rod Smith said extreme heat—not crowds—is expected to be the biggest public safety challenge this weekend.
Officials urge anyone attending races, matches, festivals or cookouts to:
- Start hydrating before the day of the event.
- Drink water every 20 to 30 minutes while outdoors.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine.
- Watch for signs of heat illness, including dizziness, nausea and confusion.
- Take breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Atlanta Fire Rescue will have hydration stations, additional medical teams and specialized response units positioned throughout the city.
Make the Right Call
E-911 Executive Director Desiree Arnold thanked residents for helping reduce unnecessary emergency calls during last year’s Fourth of July weekend and asked everyone to continue using 911 only for emergencies.
For non-emergency situations, residents are encouraged to use 311 (Option 2), the City’s online reporting portal or text-to-911 when appropriate.
Plan Ahead and Celebrate Responsibly
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers remain fully mobilized with support from federal, state and regional law enforcement partners.
He encouraged everyone to:
- Report suspicious activity by calling 911.
- Take MARTA whenever possible.
- Lock vehicles and remove valuables.
- Secure firearms.
- Never engage in celebratory gunfire.
- Avoid illegal street racing and street takeovers, which will be actively enforced.
“If someone intends to break the law in Atlanta, they’re going to meet the Atlanta Police Department,” Schierbaum said.
Ready for the Weekend
City leaders said planning for this holiday weekend began nearly two years ago as Atlanta prepared to host FIFA World Cup 2026™ alongside the Peachtree Road Race and Fourth of July celebrations.
With thousands of runners, soccer fans and holiday visitors expected across the city, officials encourage everyone to stay hydrated, plan ahead, use public transportation when possible and help make it a safe holiday for all.
“Our public safety teams will continue doing what they’ve done throughout this tournament,” Burks said. “Serving with excellence and helping everyone celebrate safely.”
