Planning and preparations before the event can reduce the possibility of injury. Any organization that might have to deal with crowds should develop a crowd management plan. At a minimum, your crowd management plan should take into consideration:
- Additional staffing needs. Will you need on-site trained security personnel or police officers?
- Signage. Appropriate signage can help you steer crowds where you want them to go. Make sure exits, entrances, stairs and elevators are clearly and legibly marked.
- Physical barriers. Set up barricades or rope lines for crowd management. Be sure to keep entrances and exits clear.
- Emergency plan. Develop a plan and share it with local public safety agencies. Designate a worker to contact local emergency responders if necessary.
- Arrival and departure procedures. Develop procedures and ways of explaining them to the public.
- Limiting access. Determine maximum safe occupancy and prevent more people from entering when the facility reaches maximum occupancy.
- Entrances and exits. Keep them clear at all times.
- Training. Train workers in crowd management procedures and the emergency plan. Provide them with an opportunity to practice the special event plan. Include local public safety agencies if appropriate.
- Insurance. Contact your insurance broker to ensure you have the coverage you need for the event.
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