Safety at crowded events requires planning, street smarts, and proper precautions.
Crowd at the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona.
Many of us will be traveling to watch parades, sporting events, concerts, etc. in the coming months. Use my 12 essential safety tips at crowded events.
Generally, we only think about the event and the excitement of being there as the countdown begins. If we’re going with friends and family we care about we should be excited. However, we must also consider our own safety and that of our friends and family before attending the event.
Law enforcement, event planners, and security officials strive to make events as safe as possible; However, even with adequate preparation and multiple layers of security in place, no event can provide complete protection against all threats. Every visitor to the event must take responsibility for his or her own safety and that of his or her family and friends.
There are many things we can do to stay safe before, during and after an incident.
Start by planning in advance.
Research the event location:
Whether the venue is a stadium, arena, an outdoor field, a city park, a military base or any other location, you can probably find a map or plot plan of the event space. The most important aspects of the event venue that you should research are its entrances, exits, possible meeting places, if the event has a security office, toilet facilities and first aid stations. If possible, also install water fountains or hydration stations. In hot weather, it is essential to ensure that you do not get dehydrated.
buddy system:
Especially if the event is not in a well-defined location such as a field or stadium, you should never be alone at the event. It is important to establish a buddy system with people who are going to the event with you. The old adage that “there is safety in numbers” is true. When you’re in a crowd of thousands of people, having a friend with you can make a big difference. You will be able to take care of each other. Even a trip to the restroom or concession stand to purchase food, drinks or souvenirs should be done with your friend.
Make a separation plan:
You may get separated from your friends and family and even your friend while traveling, before, after or at an event. This is especially true when leaving the event, when everyone is in a hurry to get home or back to their hotel as quickly as possible. Especially at large events, cellular service may be slow or overloaded. Calls and texts may fail.
If you are unfamiliar with the location of the venue, even if you can contact your friends by cell phone, it may be difficult to cite a landmark to help find each other. So, if you’re separated, before the event, pick a pair of meeting spots, one outside the venue and one inside it. If the venue is new to you, consider meeting up with your friends at the venue before the event to make sure you are all familiar with the place.
Plan to locate friends electronically:
Another great way to help you find each other after getting separated at the venue is to create an electronic link to each other before leaving for the event. For example, friends can easily add each other to their iPhone “Find My” network. With each person connected to the network, their location will appear on each other’s iPhone’s “Find My” map, which can be followed until you’re together again. Families moving together are already sharing locations in the “Find My” network.
Additional Tip:
If you’re driving to an event and using an iPhone, keep an AirTag secret in the car. Even if you know the car’s location based on section location, it can be extremely difficult to locate your car in a large event parking lot, but AirTag can make it easier to find.
Share your plans:
Especially if you’re going to the event alone, but even if going with friends and family, in case of an emergency, share your plans with a trusted family member or a friend who is not at the event with you. Check in with them during your visit and especially before and after the event to let them know you’re OK. If they don’t listen to you, they may take action to locate you and help you if necessary.
Bring essential items with you.
travel light:
Bring only the essentials you need for the event, such as outerwear for changing weather conditions, identification, a credit card, some cash and your smartphone. Many venues are cashless and use smartphone wallets. Take advantage of it if you can.
Use a secure bag if allowed:
Don’t use a backpack, as this will often make you a target for pickpockets. Use a cross-body bag or waist bag, keeping the bag at the front. Make sure it has sections with zippers. In some places, only clear plastic bags are allowed. If your event requires them, make sure you have a clear zip bag for better protection. Since the bag will be less secure, it is even more important to take only the essentials. Whatever you bring with you, carry your luggage with pickpockets in mind.
use the Refillable water bottle.
Bring and use a refillable water bottle to the event. Follow this rule if you are in a hot place and/or stand most of the time. Or, buy what you’ll need at the event to stay hydrated.
Medicines:
If you have any medical conditions, allergies or other health issues, please bring any necessary medications and medical supplies to ensure your well-being during the event. Do not trust the medical personnel attending the event. Bring it with you. I have severe allergies and so I bring my EpiPens to all events.
At the event, use your street smarts:
Alcoholic beverages:
If you are drunk, be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Have a good time, but it’s important that you keep your wits about you.
If you see something, say something:
Trust your intuition. Report objects out of place or suspicious behavior that you see.
Take your health seriously:
If you are unable to speak, make sure you have documentation related to your health conditions with you to the event. It’s in the Health ID app on my smartphone, which can be retrieved without unlocking the phone. Hydrate frequently. Take breaks, especially if you stand for the event.
There is no way you can be absolutely safe at the events you have traveled to. With solid planning, using your street smarts, and taking proper precautions, you’ll have a great time.
Also read:
Seven irreplaceable goods laws and other tips to prevent their theft and loss
Some Americans have stopped tipping. Should you do this too?
After working for several years in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive, and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a technical consulting company and later restarted his photography business, NSL Photography. Before entering the corporate world, Ned worked as a public health engineer for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As a renowned corporate, travel and wildlife photographer, Ned writes about travel and photography around the world, as well as runs photography workshops, seminars and photowalks. Visit Ned’s photography blog and gallery.
