Safety in large crowds: are you prepared?
Attending large gatherings like demonstrations, concerts, festivals or other events is not without risks. Are you prepared?
Like every other situation carrying potential emergency situations, you can take a few simple steps to be ready. Consider the following tips to be prepared, to prevent danger and to be able to react in case of necessity.
Prepare
Check the timing and agenda of the event.
Check the event location on a local map, entry and exit points.
Make sure you know where the emergency exits are.
Avoid loose clothing or accessories that could become tangled.
Wear closed-toe shoes and keep the laces tied.
If you are within a group, dress your group alike or use visible color clothing.
If the event occurs at night or indoors, prepare a mini keychain led flashlight, choose a specific color to identify your group members.
Identify a meeting place with your group if you become separated.
Keep your phone charged and on. Program it to vibrate and place it in a front pocket to make sure you will feel the vibrations.
Choose a purse with a zipper and a strap (not too loose) that hangs across your body keeping your purse in front of you.
Prevent
Avoid standing on or by structures that could potentially fall or collapse.
Leave early to avoid the rush when the event is over or wait until later.
Stay on the side of the crowd rather than in the middle.
To deter pickpockets: carry id, cash, and credit cards in your front pockets. Simple tip: wrap a large rubber band around your wallet, it will be more difficult to remove from your pocket.
Have a face-mask and hand sanitizer or wipes with you.
Make sure every member of your family is carrying a whistle around their neck (with a safety lanyard that will break-away if caught on something).
React
Be aware of your surroundings, if you feel that the crowd seems to be getting out of control, leave right away (scream, smoke, crowd movement, fights, gunshot or explosion).
If you are caught in a moving crowd, work your way out by walking diagonally across it, never walk oncoming crowds.
In an out of control crowd, walk with your arms around your face, elbows in front to protect your head, leaving enough space in between so you can see.