How to stay safe in crowds

Jan 29, 2023 News

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By: Richard Francois

Kaieteur News – You may have heard the saying before, that there is always safety in numbers. But, what happens if you are caught in a crowd? Sporting events, concerts, festivals, rallies and even some parties can attract huge crowds of people that can pose a danger to patrons. How does one stay safe in a crowd? The answer to that question is what we will be discussing today.

There is some conventional wisdom that exists as it relates to keeping safe when in crowds. The points I will share below should provide you with a guideline of sorts that can help you keep safe the next time you find yourself in a crowd.

Identify exits (Emergency or otherwise)

This should be the first thing you do. It is essential that you immediately upon reaching a crowded venue, identify the location of ALL exits.  Be they emergency exits or normal exits, know where they are and conceptualize a mental plan of getting to those exits quickly, especially in the case of an emergency. It is also imperative that you know when to leave an event. Decide whether you will leave early or late, so as to avoid the rush when the event is over. Try to gauge your crowd. If you think there will be confusion when the show is over, leave before the event is over. If you have time and plan to wait out the after event rush for exits, feel free to leave later.

Pay careful attention to your surroundings

As you enjoy the sights and scenes of the event you are attending, it is important that you do not lose yourself in what is happening around you. Pay attention to your surroundings at all times. Be aware of what is going on around you at all times. If you see someone acting aggressively, intoxicated and out of order, or a crowd moving spontaneously, move away from them. Trust your instincts; trust your gut feelings–if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. If you feel unsafe, make your way toward the exits before the crowd start rushing them.

Keep your belongings safe

When attending an event that will be crowded ensure that your money, phone and keys are safely secured on your person. It is advisable that you place rubber bands around your money and to place all important belongs in your front pockets. Ensure that whatever you do, you make it difficult for pickpockets to get your stuff.

Dress appropriately

This cannot be overstated. Understand the event you’re attending and dress appropriately. In these contemporary times and with the advent of social media, there is the tendency of patrons to overdress when attending certain events. It is advisable that when headed to a crowded event to not wear loose clothing or accessories that could become tangled or pulled. It is advisable that you wear closed-toe shoes and keep laces tied to prevent tripping.

Know how to navigate a crowd

If you find yourself in a crowded situation, it is better to walk around the crowd rather than pushing through it. If by chance you are caught in a moving crowd, it is better to walk sideways or diagonally across the crowd to work your way out.

Stick with your group

If you are part of a group at a crowded event, try as much as possible to stay with your group. If by chance, members of the group need to separate, be sure that all members of your group identify and agree on a place to rendezvous. Keep your phone charged and on. Programme it to vibrate as well as ring.

Notify someone about your intention to attend a particular event

While we all cherish and protect our privacy, it is safe that you notify at least one person if you plan to attend a major event that likely will be crowded. And if possible, try to keep that person posted on your whereabouts throughout.

Keep a keen eye on children when in a crowd

Of particular importance is the way we deal with children when in a crowded area. At all times, keep a diligent eye on your children. Do not leave your children with strangers when in a crowd. This may sound self-explanatory, but one Mash Day, my wife and I were on Irvin Street when a mother wanted to go somewhere and politely asked if we could kindly keep an eye on her two children. As unbelievable as it was it happened right here in Guyana. That kind of irresponsibly must never happen.  Keep an eye on your children all the times when in a crowd. Know where they are, at all times!

Before leaving the house, be sure to take a photograph of your child or children with a camera or smart phone. In the eventuality you become separated, you will have an up-to-date photo of your child and what he or she is wearing to give to officials.

To stay secure in a large crowd, think carefully about any and all situations that could potentially arise and have action plans in place. Doing so will go a long way to helping you feel and be safe if you find yourself in a crowd.

These are a few tips provided to help you stay safe in a crowd that you can share with your family and friends. The information presented here is by no means exhaustive. This article is written to make you think about how you should strategically approach how you treat with crowds. Please do your own research and find more information that can help you to stay safe whenever you find yourself in a crowded situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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• Crowd, Dress appropriately, Emergency or otherwise, Know how to navigate a crowd, surroundings

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