MANSFIELD, Ohio (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) — As the annual Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival approaches, organizers are strongly advising all attendees to develop a personal safety plan, emphasizing preparedness for various scenarios, including severe weather and potential separations.

The festival, known for its unique setting at the Ohio State Reformatory, is a “rain or shine” event, but management, in consultation with the National Weather Service and a private weather monitoring service, will prioritize safety by pausing, evacuating, or canceling the show if severe weather conditions such as lightning, thunderstorms, high winds, or flooding occur.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the festival map, identify exits, and know designated shelter locations in advance. A crucial component of the safety plan is establishing a meeting point with everyone in their party in case of an evacuation.

Key Safety Reminders for Attendees:

  • Parking: Fans who drive to the event should remember their parking location and consider leaving extra water in their vehicles. During an evacuation, those who parked will be directed back to their vehicles for shelter, with color-coded routes assisting their return.
  • Rideshare/Drop-offs: Attendees arriving via rideshare or drop-off services should note that shelter entrances to the Reformatory are exclusively through the West Cell Block. In the event of an evacuation, these fans will be instructed to shelter in place within the Reformatory via marked evacuation entrances on the far west side of the building.
  • Camping: Campers are advised to secure all non-tethered items in their vehicles before heading to the festival grounds. During inclement weather, campers should seek shelter in their vehicles, not tents. Designated permanent shelter structures are available at the campgrounds and are marked on the camping map. Campers will be notified of emergencies via the campground PA system, with staff available for direction. During an evacuation, campers will return to the campground via shuttle to seek shelter in their vehicles or designated safe locations.
  • “Claim Your Spawn”: For families attending with children, a “Claim Your Spawn” initiative offers wristbands at the Access Center booth (near the festival camping/accessible entrance) to help contact parents if children get separated. If separated, the medical tent near the orange lot entrance is designated as a reunification meeting point.

In the event of an evacuation, notifications will be disseminated through audio and video announcements from the stages, INK App push notifications, and social media. Festival management recommends all fans download the INK app and follow their social media channels for real-time updates. Evacuation notices may be issued before visible weather conditions appear to ensure sufficient time for safe exit.

Attendees with disabilities who may require additional time or assistance during an evacuation are asked to check in at the Access Center upon arrival for more information.

If a temporary evacuation occurs, the festival aims to resume if weather permits, with ample time for re-entry. If conditions prevent a restart, fans will be notified of cancellation and asked to exit the grounds for the remainder of the day. In the event of a full-day cancellation, fans unable to exit easily may seek temporary shelter in the Reformatory.

For additional information while on site, attendees can visit the information booth just inside the main entrance or email info@inkcarceration.com.