Are you planning on hosting a large public event? Have you considered and strategized your event safety plan? Making sure your event runs smoothly may require a team of planners, chefs, caterers, waitrons, bartenders – but have you thoroughly researched your security requirements – such as personnel, plans and backup in the event of an emergency? When an event goes mobile, it doesn’t mean health and safety should go out the window – in fact – it should be a top priority. It is naturally more difficult to plan for unknown variables, but safety procedures should be put in place and well-documented. For every event, you’ll need a documented safety plan, detailing the hazards and the ways you’ll eliminate or reduce those hazards.
That being said, you’re likely feeling the pressure of planning the actual event – to the point where other factors including security may go by the wayside. Mantis Security holds nearly 3 decades of experience is threat management and mitigation and pride themselves on their multi-layered safety approach. There is no need for you to worry about the finer details of securing your event – simply get in touch with us to discuss your needs and allow us to tailor a solution for keeping your public event safe and secure.
Certain steps need to be taken prior to the event.
Event Safety Management Plan – What Does it Include?
Planning is the foundation for the success of any event. To save time and money, professional event safety consultancies – such as Mantis Security – should be contracted at the earliest stages where professional safety advice can be considered before substantial costs are incurred and losses avoided. Crowd Management and Safety can be adversely affected through the occupant capacity and number of fire exits required for the capacity in a marquee structure can be identified at an early stage providing the event organiser with accurate budgeting forecasts.
The complexity of the event will determine the length and thoroughness of your health and safety risk assessment. For a simple event, a standard risk assessment is sufficient, addressing specific issues that may arise at the event – that would endanger any staff, any people attending the event, and any members of the public/anyone who could be impacted.
For complex events, you may need an event safety management plan when conceptualising the event. You could also hire a safety adviser to make sure that all ideas are taken into account.
- Take all measure to reduce possible risks and threats
Managing and mitigating risk at your event involves identifying what could go wrong – within reason – and putting measures in place to make sure those risks are lessened or eliminated, if possible. This may include bag searches, armed guards, patrols and even law enforcement as a backup if the event is on that scale.
- Implement an emergency plan that covers all aspects and possible threats
Every event safety plan needs an emergency plan in case there’s need to evacuate, in case of a fire, or any other circumstances. You want to train staff on what to do in case of emergency, decide who will take action, how you will let people know about the emergency (i.e. radio, mobile phones, coded messages), who will make statements about the incident to the authorities and emergency services. You’ll also need a contingency plan as part of your safety plan. The contingency plan should be discussed with the security group you’re working with, as well as emergency services. They should have a copy of your finalised plan. They will need to know, for example, the number of guests and staff and their names, if possible, as well as contact details for each. For lesser emergencies, there needs to be a first –line responders such as fire-fighters and paramedics – on site too.
- A crowd management plan needs to be drawn up and implemented beforehand
When there are large crowds of people, safety is immediately compromised, so your event safety plan needs to include a way to control crowds. For example, if there are tickets sold at the door, how will manage large influxes of people in certain areas? Make sure you have a plan for ensuring that guests go where they should, and that there are no back doors or gates that allow people to go outside the event area where they could potentially be injured.
There are also ways that you as an event-goer can ensure your safety at large events.
How to Keep Yourself Safe at Public Events
Be Aware
We have a tendency to blur out environmental details, and often won’t notice subtle but important changes. Make a conscious effort to stay aware no matter where you go. If you see someone trying to avoid cameras, carrying a strange bag or just seemingly suspicious, trust your instincts. Your own intuition is a powerful way to keep yourself safe.
Know How to Leave – Quickly
The first thing to do when you arrive at a public event is to figure out exactly how you leave in an emergency. Try to identify at least two or more exit points. Panic in a crowd can lead to altercations, and though it doesn’t necessarily lead to shooting events, it’s a concern in and of itself. Be ready to leave through whatever means possible should something arise.
Locate Security Constantly
Along with knowing where the exits are you should also be able to put eyes on a security officer at any time during the event. You don’t have to follow security around (nor should you; it may appear suspicious) in order to be safe, but you should stay in close proximity if you can.
Knowing where security officers are located in the event also increases the likelihood that you can seek their assistance or notify them of anyone acting suspiciously or causing problems.
Have a Plan
Discuss with your family and friends what to do in case you get separated. Make sure you have a designated meet-up location just outside of the event. Have charged cell phones on hand and be sure to program each other’s numbers in on speed dial options.
When promoters plan public events, safety is a top goal. Hiring professional security officers, providing a safe location and creating rules for the event are just a few of the important ways they strive to keep you safe.
For more information on how Mantis Security can manage your event, click here to get in touch with us today!