Are you planning on hosting a large public event? Have you strategized your event safety plan? Ensuring that your event runs smoothly may require a team of planners, chefs, caterers, waitrons, and bartenders. Additionally, it is just as important to thoroughly research your event safety requirements such as personnel, plans and backup in the event of an emergency. Mantis Security is one of the top security companies in South Africa that can work hand in hand with you to create a tailored security plan that will meet your needs. It is naturally more difficult to plan for unknown variables, but safety procedures should be put in place and well-documented either way.
Mantis Security holds roughly 3 decades of experience in threat management and mitigation, and we pride ourselves on our 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 today to discuss your needs and allow us to tailor a solution for keeping your public event safe and secure.
What Does An Event Safety Management Plan Include?
Planning is the foundation for the success of any event. To save time and money, a professional private security company such as Mantis Security should be contracted at the earliest stages. This will allow for our security professionals to offer advice before substantial costs are incurred and will allow for losses to be 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 organizer with accurate budgeting forecasts.
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Risk Assessments
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, attendees, and any members of the public/anyone who could be impacted.
For more complex events, you may need an event safety management plan when conceptualizing the event. You could also hire a private security company to make sure that all your ideas and safety needs are being taken into account.
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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. This may include bag searches, armed guards, patrols and even law enforcement as a backup if the event is on that scale.
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Implement an emergency plan that covers all aspects and possible threats
Every event safety plan needs an emergency plan in case of the need to evacuate due to a fire or any other circumstances. Among the list of security companies in South Africa, Mantis Security would ensure that your staff would be prepared on what to do in case of emergency, how you would let people know about the emergency (i.e. radio, mobile phones, coded messages), and 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 private security guard company that you’re working with, as well as emergency services. Both the security company and law enforcement should have a copy of your finalized plan.
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A crowd management plan needs to be drawn up and implemented beforehand
When there are large crowds of people, safety is immediately compromised. Therefore, your event safety plan needs to include a way to control crowds. For example, if there are tickets sold at the door, how will you 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.
Below we will also discuss ways that you as an event-goer can ensure your safety at public events.
How to Keep Yourself Safe at Public Events
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Be Aware
We have a tendency to blur out environmental details, and often don’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 acting suspicious, trust your instincts. Notify authorities or staff of a security company if you feel unsafe. Your own intuition is a powerful way to keep yourself safe.
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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 although it doesn’t necessarily lead to violent events, it is still suggested that you know how to exit quickly in an emergency situation. Be ready to leave through whatever means possible should something arise.
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Locate Security Constantly
Along with knowing where the emergency exits are located, 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 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 if anyone is acting suspiciously or causing problems.
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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 inside and 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.
Summing Up
When promoters plan public events, safety should be their top priority. Hiring Mantis Security, one of the top security companies in South Africa to provide a safe location, and creating rules for the event are a just a few of the important ways they should strive to keep you safe.
Put Security in Trusted Hands with Mantis Security, call us today,
Johannesburg: 0861 101 000
Pretoria: 0861 101 000
For more information visit our website – https://mantissecurity.co.za/