In light of what has happened in Boston, I wish to send out heartfelt condolences to those who are suffering from the bombing. Senator Elizabeth Warren said "Every year during the Marathon, we are one family. We cheer for each other and carry each other across the finish line. When tragedy strikes, we are also one family. We hurt together, and we help together."
People from all over the world were running, their families and friends were there cheering them on. Volunteers lined the course to make the Marathon the best that it could be and first responders were there to aid when needed. The live event industry is my passion and my home and it is truly painful when I see any type of tragedy that affects the participants, first responders and the promoters and managers of the event. We, in the industry must reexamine our security plans and redouble our efforts to keep every one safe.
I recently interviewed Division Chief James R. Dixon of the Sunrise Florida Fire Department. Here are his and my suggestions that may help you and your party keep more safe at live events:
1. Know more than one way out. We are so accustomed to exiting the way that we entered that people often don't identify an alternate way out. When you arrive identify at least one secondary exit, which may not be the closest. For example, on an airplane the best alternative maybe behind you. If the masses are streaming towards the front of the venue, you may consider traveling along a wall, in the opposite direction and find a completely free exit.
2. Identify where multiple sets of stairs and elevators are located. Do not use an elevator during a fire. The electricity may fail, trapping you inside.
3. Large events both indoors and outdoors should have medical support staff. In permanent venues, these should be well marked. At outdoor festivals, concerts or special events first aid stations may be tents with or without an ambulance nearby. If handouts of maps are available use them to find the station(s) and make sure each of your party knows where it is and what the best route to reach it is.
4. Be aware and monitor your surroundings. For example: if a conflict is developing between two or more people, move away and if need be report the incident to security. If you see an unattended package, backpack or similar item, report it to security. Stay aware of who is around you. Listen to your "little voice" - move away from anyone that makes you feel uncomfortable. Do not engage someone who is angry, drunk or aggressive. In elevators do not get on if someone is already on that makes you feel uneasy. Get off on the wrong floor and take another if someone enters that you don't want to be alone with. Never discuss personal information where others can hear, for example your room number, count money, wear flashy expensive jewelry or expose expensive electronics. Don't stand by trash receptacles, mail boxes or other similar places where a device may be hidden. Don't stand in front of large windows which may shatter and hit you with shards of glass.
5. If an emergency happens, move away and find an exit, report the incident to security. Don't get in the way of emergency responders trying to do their jobs.
6. Listen and follow the instructions given over public address systems. Authorities may well have information that you don't have, for example incoming bad weather, potential criminal or adverse incident developing within or outside of the venue. Promoters and entertainers don't postpone or cancel events for frivolous reasons, so move if you're instructed to and don't argue with security, ushers or stewards. That will only slow down the evacuation process, potentially costing injuries or even lives.
7. Discuss with each member of your party where to meet should you be separated. Don't rely solely on cell phones. Sometimes reception may not be optimum and invariably someone forgets to charge their phone. Special planning must be taken with children. Suggestions include: have the child stay where they are, have adults find them. Train little ones to ask a woman with children for help. Most Moms will jump into action comforting and helping young children.
8. Should the event be a target of a terrorist attack (chemical or gas) explicitly follow the instructions for decontamination and medical triage. First responders train for these events and provide your best chance to survive.
9. Attempt to control your emotions and focus on the task at hand. Follow your preplanned strategies and try not add to chaos by screaming and panicking. That won't help you or others.
The next blog in the series will help you deal with what do to if the unthinkable happens and you must save yourself and others.
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