WASHINGTON - During Obama's inauguration in January, the crowds will be massive and the mall will be packed. Now, many are wondering what will happen if there is an emergency during the event. On the local, state and federal levels, the planning is well underway to make sure the inauguration crowds are safe.

At seven months pregnant, Rockville native Victoria Smith said she would love to go to Obama's inauguration, but for one reason, she won't. "I think the estimates are accurate -- Millions!," said Smith. 

Predictions of record breaking crowds is putting a record amount of strain on city resources and raising serious questions of public health and safety.

"I think it will be a problem if something bad happens," said federal employee Sandy Hudson. "Hopefully they have a plan in place for it."

The Secret Service plans to set up medical aid stations along the mall, but hasn't yet decided on larger, ER/trauma centers. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police Department (web|news)  plans to use all 4,100 officers. They will also be supported by Capitol police, FBI (web) police, state police and park police. Four thousand additional police officer from surrounding states will also be there to help control crowds at the event.

Montgomery County (web|news), for example, will send between 70 and 80 officers from its Special Events Response Team.

"We've got we've got a lot of balls up in the air and a lot of work that still needs to be done," said Chief Cathy Lanier (web|news|bio) of the D.C. Police Department. "But our priorities are public safety."

Although the priority is there, the money is not. The district received $15 million in federal money for all major events for the entire year. That is a minimal amount compared to the $50 million that Denver received for the Democratic National Convention.

If district officials are concerned, they don't show it. "This is the nation's best police department and I think they're up to the task," said D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty.

The city said if the burden lies on police and medical units, it also lies on the spectators themselves. "Go to the bathroom ahead of time, don't drink liquids, dress really warm," advised federal employee Chandra Kennedy.

"I'm not drinking anything!," added federal employee Adrienne Cowart.

They are doing their own part, in case other plans fall short.