Safety at events with crowds takes planning, street smarts, and reasonable precautions at the event.
The crowds at Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls.
Many of us will travel to view parades, sporting events, concerts, etc., in the months to come. Use my 12 essential safety tips at events with crowds.
Generally, we only think about the event and the excitement of being there as the countdown to it begins. We should be excited if going with friends and family we care about. However, we should also consider our safety and that of our friends and family at the event, well before attending.
Law enforcement, event planners and security officials try to make events as safe and secure as possible; however, even with layers of safety and security in place after considerable preparation, no event can offer total protection against all threats. Each traveler at the events must take responsibility for their own safety and that of their family and friends going with them.
There’s much that we can do to stay safe before, at and after an event.
Start by planning ahead.
Research the event location:
Whether the event venue is a stadium, arena, an outdoor field, a city park, a military base or any other location, you can likely find a map or plot plan of the event location. The most important aspects of the event location that you should research are its entrances, exits, potential meeting spots, the security office if the event has one, lavatory facilities and first aid stations. If possible, also locate water fountains or hydration stations. In hot weather, ensuring that you don’t become dehydrated is essential.
Buddy system:
Particularly if the event is not in a well-defined location such as an arena or stadium, you should never be alone at the event. It’s important to set up a buddy system with those who are accompanying you to the event. 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 be a major difference maker. You will be able to look after each other. Even trips to a lavatory or a concession stand to buy food, drink or souvenirs should be done with your buddy.
Have a separation plan:
You can become separated from your friends and family and even your buddy while going anywhere, before, after, or at the event. This is particularly true when exiting the event, when everyone is in a hurry to get home or back to their hotel as quickly as possible. At large events in particular, cellular service can be slow or overloaded. Calls and texts may fail.
If you’re unfamiliar with the venue location, even if you can contact your friends by cell phone, it may be difficult to cite a landmark to help you find each other. Therefore, choose a pair of rendezvous points, one outside the venue and one inside it, in advance of the event, in case you’re separated. If the event venue is new to you, consider visiting the rendezvous points with your friends before the event to ensure you’re all familiar with the location.
Plan to locate friends electronically:
Another great way to help find each other after you’ve been separated at the venue location is to create electronic links 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 show on each other’s iPhone’s “Find My” map which can be followed until you’re together again. Families going together are already sharing locations in the “Find My” network.
Extra Tip:
If you’re driving to the event, and use an iPhone, secret an AirTag in the car. Even if you know the car’s location by section location, in huge event parking lots it can be extremely hard to locate your car, but an AirTag can make it easy to find.
Share your plans:
Especially if you’re going to the event alone, but even if going with friends and family, share your plans with a trusted family member or a friend who is not with you at the event, in case of emergency. Check in with them during your trip and especially before and after the event so that they know you’re okay. If they don’t hear from you, they can take action to locate you and help you, if necessary.
Bring essentials with you.
Travel light:
Bring only the essentials that you need for the event, such as outerwear for changing weather conditions, identification, a credit card, some cash and your smartphone. Many event venues are cashless and use smartphone wallets. Take advantage of that if you can.
Use a secure bag if permitted:
Don’t use a backpack, as it will too often make you a target of pickpockets. Use a cross-body bag or waist bag with the bag in the front. Make sure it has zippered sections. At some venues, only clear plastic bags are permitted. If they are required at your event, make sure you have a zippered clear bag for better security. As the bag would be less secure, it is even more important to take only essentials. Whatever you bring with you, carry your belongings with pickpocketing in mind.
Use a refillable water bottle.
Bring a refillable water bottle to the event, and use it. Follow this rule if you’re in a hot location and/or standing much of the time. Or, buy what you need at the event to stay hydrated.
Medications:
If you have a medical condition, allergy, or other health issue, please bring any necessary medications and medical supplies to ensure your well-being during the event. Don’t rely on medical personnel being present at the event. Bring it with you. I have severe allergies and therefore bring my EpiPens to all events.
At the event, use your street smarts:
Alcoholic beverages:
Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you if you’re intoxicated. Have a great time, but it’s important that you keep your wits intact.
If you see something, say something:
Trust your instincts. Report out-of-place objects or suspicious behavior that you notice.
Take your health seriously:
Make sure to have a document with your health conditions at the event, in case you’re unable to speak. Mine is in my smartphone’s Health ID app, retrievable without unlocking the phone. Hydrate often. Take breaks, particularly if you’re standing for the event.
There’s no way that you can be absolutely safe at events to which you’ve traveled. With solid planning, using your street smarts, and taking reasonable precautions, you will have a great time.
READ ALSO:
Seven immutable luggage laws and other tips to prevent their theft and loss
Some Americans have stopped tipping. Should you, too?
After many years working in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a tech consulting company and later restarted NSL Photography, his photography business. Before entering the corporate world, Ned worked as a Public Health Engineer for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As a well known corporate, travel and wildlife photographer, Ned travels the world writing about travel and photography, as well as running photography workshops, seminars and photowalks. Visit Ned’s Photography Blog and Galleries.
