Attending a large gathering? Then keep these safety tips in mind
Large events and gatherings bring a lot of excitement and fun, but they can also turn deadly in the case of a security incident or panic. In Korea in 2022, 159 people were killed and 196 others were injured after a crowd surge occurred in a narrow street during Halloween festivities.
There have been other serious incidents from concerts to football stadiums where too many people in one place has led to multiple fatalities. In addition, there have been tragedies at places like the Arianna Grande concert in Manchester and The Bataclan Theatre in Paris, when terrorist attacks have killed many people. These incidents are rare, but they can happen.
Whether you’re attending a festival, concert, or sporting event, there are things that you can do to increase your chances of surviving should something should go wrong.
Locate and identify the exits
On arriving at the event, have a really good look round. Identify all of the venue’s exits, particularly the ones closest to you. Knowing the way you came in isn’t enough. If panic ensues, many people will instinctively try to get out the way they entered. You need alternatives.
Have a plan should you be get separated
Come up with a plan in case you get separated from family or friends. As soon as you enter the event, designate a landmark that you can distinguish as your meeting point, should anyone get separated or if there is no phone reception. It could be a specific statue, food vendor, or a particular entrance. If you want to go to the bathroom or food stands, always choose a buddy to go with from your group of friends or family.
Be aware of your surroundings
One of the most important aspects of staying safe in a large crowd is to remain vigilant at all times. Be aware of unusual behaviors, unattended objects, unexplained odors, or vehicles travelling at abnormal speeds or patterns, and don’t be afraid to report what you see.
As much as we all like to watch an event close to the stage, the back is likely to be less crowded and safer. But if you really want to be closer to the front, try to avoid being at the very front of the stage near the security railings. If the crowd becomes too large and closely packed, people at the front are likely to be injured, making it harder to exit.
Watch out for the warning signs that a crowd is becoming dangerously dense. If you’re getting pushed against those around you, that is most likely a sign that the event is becoming unsafe.
Did you know?
Over 2,000 people die each year as a result of injuries sustained in large crowds, according to International Security Ligue.
Think ahead
Take water and some snacks with you as it is important to stay hydrated. It is sensible not to drink too much alcohol as this could inhibit your ability to make rational decisions in the event of an emergency. Make enough time to queue for the toilet before the main event. Take toilet roll or tissues and hand sanitizer with you.
Keep your personal belongings secure
Large crowds can be a prime hunting ground for pickpockets. That’s why you should restrict your belongings to what your need – your I.D., cash, one debit or credit card, and your fully-charged mobile phone. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or anything else of value that could easily be taken or lost in a crowd. Carry important items in your front pockets, a money belt that sits under your clothes, or a crossbody bag.
Ensure your phone is fully charged
Your phone is important both to keep in touch and as a torch.. It should be fully charged and on vibrate. You should also ideally have an external power bank, and keep the phone on low power mode.
Use GPS apps to track each other if you become separated. Google Maps or WhatsApp “share my location” functionality allows you to keep track of everyone in your group. This feature can quickly drain your phone battery, however, so don’t share your location for the full day – instead, set predetermined times with your friends or family to turn it on.
Memorize a few key mobile numbers, so that you can still make contact with each other even if someone has lost their phone. In addition, there may not be a phone signal as sometimes there is overstretched demand at large gatherings.
Dress appropriately
When attending an event with a large crowd, it’s important that you dress appropriately. Most minor injuries in large crowds result from simple falls due to dressing inappropriately. If you want to minimize the risk of falling, wear practical shoes with closed toes and laces like trainers and boots. Do not wear loose clothing or accessories that could be pulled or tugged. Wear comfortable clothing like a pair of jeans and a t-shirt as they don’t restrict your movement.
Keep a close eye on children
If you have children with you, keep a close eye on them and put your phone number in their pocket so they can easily reach you if you become separated. Even more importantly, be sure they know who to go to if they get lost (police officers, event security, etc.).
Know how to navigate your way through a large crowd
Try to move diagonally to the edge of the group rather than trying to go straight. Assume a boxer-like stance as you go: hands up and in front of your chest to give yourself more breathing space, and feet planted firmly on the ground when you’re not moving. Do not bend down to pick up something you have dropped.
Finally, if you do fall down in a crowd, focus on protecting your body by curling up into the foetal position and covering your head, then get back up as soon as you safely can. If you feel yourself panicking, remember to breathe deeply and slowly.
Interesting fact
A mass movement of people can lead to forces of over 4,500 Newtons, or 1,000 lbs. This level of exertion can bend steel railings and seriously injure those involved.
What do to if a crowd crush occurs
While crowd surges are rare, a seemingly safe situation can rapidly turn into an unsafe one in a matter of minutes. That’s why it’s important to know how to make your way safely through a large crowd in the unlikely event of a crowd rush.
A useful rule of thumb to know if the crowd density at an event has reached unsafe levels is if you are touching shoulders with people on both sides of you, or if you are in contact with others on multiple spots on your body.
Here’s what to do and not to do if you’re stuck in a crowd crush:
Keep your arms in front of your chest, to create more space between you and the person in front of you. Adopt the stance of a boxer, with one foot in front of the other to help you retain your balance, and absorb pressure from people pushing against you. You also want to keep your knees flexible, so that your body is not rigid and you’re able to move.
Even if your phone falls to the ground, don’t bend over and reach for it – you may not be able to get back up.
You want to save your oxygen, and yelling, even for help, is a waste of precious energy. Since air in a crowd crush tends to be hot and muggy, lift your head up for more access to fresh air.
You want to stay on your feet, but if you fall down, try to lie on your left side to protect your heart and lungs. If you’re on your stomach or back and people fall on top of you, there’s a risk that your chest could compress.
Don’t resist the force of the crowd. Instead, work your way diagonally to the edge of the crowd when there’s a lull in movement.
Nine essential tips to keep safe in crowds
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