Large planned events can attract tens of thousands of people and with them a large potential for chaos. Therefore it is lifesaving to know how to stay safe at big events.
Security planning for large sporting events has become a major concern for the security industry.
With so many people gathered in the same area, these events are an attractive target for madmen seeking to make a political statement.
Taking 20,000 people into a rally or a hundred thousand people into a Superbowl game and the possibility of an emergency situation is no longer a laughing matter.
In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 or the Bataclan in 2015, major events and gatherings should be a source of consideration when thinking about threats to your personal safety.
High-profile sporting games, political rallies, and social justice demonstrations are a major source of concern as terrorists and those seeking to wreak havoc are increasingly interested in these events.
Be aware that major gatherings can often result in an evacuation nightmare.
When it comes to security issues during a large-scale situation, one of the biggest threats after a disaster is what happens during an evacuation.
Even a relatively small disaster, which does not pose a large-scale threat to the crowd, can quickly get out of control.
Panic alone can cause a crowd to flee, creating a dangerous situation or a secondary target in the event of a terrorist attack.
Large-scale events are often logistical nightmares and a person can easily be caught off guard and find themselves in the middle of chaos with no way out.
Some issues to keep in mind when attending large events:
Roads around the area are likely to be blocked or flooded by vehicles trying to flee the scene.
Exit routes will quickly become landmarks, filled with panicked people who will likely only make the situation worse.
Large sites often have safety protocols in place. These protocols may not always be the safest thing to follow.
You should always look for alternatives, even if everyone else is told to follow a certain direction.
In the case of a terrorist attack, an attacker may look for these landmarks in order to inflict many casualties by attacking the exits.
Those who stay at home can also be affected by major events. Even those of us who avoid these major events may not be able to avoid the dangers associated with them.
When any large-scale gathering occurs near you, you must always be alert and have a plan to deal with emergencies.
Some issues to keep in mind for those who stay at home:
If, during one of these events, something happens that causes people to evacuate, the roads near your home will quickly become clogged.
Several routes need to be mapped in case your normal evacuation routes are compromised.
Major events are targets. Political rallies, social justice marches, and demonstrations should all raise your alert.
As we have mentioned many times, these gatherings and events can quickly turn violent, they can also spread to neighboring neighborhoods, putting even those who have stayed home at risk.
Tips on how to stay safe at big events:
Safety begins by awareness: one of the best ways to stay safe, no matter what’s the event, is to be aware of what is happening around you. This process begins by knowing exactly what you are getting into.
How many people are expected at the gathering?
Where are the exit points on-site? This is something you should know in advance. Also, take note of any secondary exit points where fewer people are likely to go.
Jump on social media and see what people are saying about the event. Were there any threats made about the event? Is the event controversial?
Walk around the area: once you are there, you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
Take note of fire exits, washrooms, and exit routes.
Familiarize yourself with the layout of the venue. Pay attention to the location of medical tents or first aid stations.
Have a plan to direct you in case of an emergency.
Remain conscious.
Learning how to stay safe at big events is essential. But in some situations, keeping the others safe will be part of your duty. Keep a first aid kit in your car or at home and know how to use it properly. Simple prepping can help you minimize any potential damage and save lives.
