IMPORTANT Inaugural security info re. banned items (It might be difficult to bring kids.)

[DeepModem Mom]

WP: Inaugural Nudge: Leave The Little Guys at Home
By Eric M. Weiss
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 4, 2008; Page B01

....Officials are banning all strollers and backpacks and make a point of saying on their Web site that "there are no childcare facilities provided to attendees." If that hint isn't enough, they suggest that "extra consideration" be taken by those planning to bring children, noting that "a vast majority of attendees will be in standing room sections and should be prepared to be on their feet for several hours."

They also helpfully point out that the swearing-in ceremony is an outdoor event "that is typically cold -- normally 37 F at noon -- and occasionally wet." In other words: Leave the kiddies at home....

Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, said: "An event where you will have 1 million people is inherently kid-unfriendly. They are shorter than everyone else; they can be stepped on. Parents should think long and hard about bringing a small kid to an event with 1 million people."

Large bags, umbrellas, suitcases and thermoses are also banned. (The complete list of banned items can be found at http://inaugural.senate.gov/2009/accessibility.cfm.) Baby Bjorn carriers are okay. The ban covers the area from the steps of the Capitol to Fourth Street NW on the Mall. She said the restrictions were put in place for security -- strollers are made of tubular metal -- and the logistics of searching bags and backpacks, which slow security lines.

"We're not telling them not to bring kids," Florman said. "But you need to bring your common sense. You will be outdoors for a minimum of four hours in the middle of January."

Florman said 240,000 inaugural tickets have been issued, and 210,000 are standing-only tickets. Children old enough to walk will need their own ticket.

Despite the hurdles, Allen expects that plenty of parents will bring their children. "It's so momentous, it won't discourage them," he said. "It will remind parents to put them in snowsuits.''

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/03/AR2008120303396.html?nav=most_emailed

[Oregone]

1. I honestly wouldn't take a small child to a crowd of upwards a million...

I took mine to a 60K Obama rally once, and that was enough, to be honest. I avoid large crowds with small children, whether its in DC or at a Walmart.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. Yeah security is a bitch... unfortunately a necessary bitch

and I would consider taking the kiddies ONLY if they were older... as much as I would love them to witness history

Thermos, nice bomb... really

Umbrellas... you got no clue how much you can hide in one?

Strollers, same thing different day

And backpacks, kind of obvious.

Hell, I would not consider going myself... see that standing in place for hours deal.

I worked EMS for ten years, and was peripherally involved with VIP events... our rig was checked by bomb sniffing dogs as well as mirrors and other tools of the job... so were the cops... and we were all briefed on what was relevant to our role in a need to know basis

Security is a serious matter, and I for one, am thankful they are doing a GOOD JOB and taking it seriously... the threats are real.

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Agree. I want this event as secure as possible. nt