Mass gatherings, such as concerts, conventions, street parties, are special events that generate excitement for the participants, but there’s no denying the fact that disaster risks are higher due to the sheer number of people assembled in one place. What’s more, due to the venue’s large size and crowd volume, it can get pretty overwhelming for some.
Situations like getting lost, crushed, or injured, as well as the possibility of having your belongings stolen, can and do happen at times. However, all these shouldn’t stop you from enjoying these large events. Mitigate these risks by being prepared, such as knowing basic strategies to escape a high-volume crowd during emergency situations. Another great one is being aware of where all the exits are in case of a fire or other disasters.
Learn more about proper safety and preparedness measures that will keep you calm during emergencies. Here are seven tips you can follow.
Create an Itinerary and Follow It
Creating an itinerary is a great way to help you keep track of the time, as well as the activities you’ll be doing. It also allows you to do some research, so you’d know how to get to the venue safely and on time. It’s ideal to write down your plans a few weeks before the event. This way, you’ll have enough time to be familiar with it and make changes before the day of the actual event. As much as possible, follow the plan to eliminate surprises that you don’t want to encounter.
Book a Room at a Hotel or Place of Lodging Located Near the Venue
If you live far from where the event will be held, it’s a good idea to book accommodations that are located near the venue. This way, you won’t have to go through the stress of traveling to and from the event on the day itself. Booking a room also helps if you’re participating in the mass gathering. For example, if you have an art table and plan to cosplay at a convention in SMX, booking a hotel near MoA will make things easier. Not only will you have a safe place to drop off all of your things, but you also won’t have to travel far to get some rest after a long and tiring day.
In an emergency, having somewhere near to regroup can be invaluable. It can be your group’s temporary safe location, depending on the situation.
Leave Early to Avoid Traffic
After the event, imagine thousands of people simultaneously getting up from their seats and heading for the exits. If you can do so, leave early to avoid the chaos that would follow. You wouldn’t want to get stuck at a bottleneck and risk getting crushed. Moreover, you would have to compete for a ride out of the venue if you are commuting.
Leaving the venue also drastically reduces the chance of you getting crushed by the crowd of people wanting to get out. That’s why noting where the exits are is important so you can exit any room or space as fast as possible.
Keep an Eye on Your Belongings at All Times
It’s common to hear people losing their valuables while attending a mass gathering, so to prevent your belongings from getting lost or stolen, make sure that your bag is with you at all times. When you keep your bag on you, it’ll be easier for you to look after it since you can see and feel it. Never place your bag on the floor because it can be easily swiped by anyone in the crowd. If you want to further secure your valuables, you can invest in a bag that comes with locks or anti-theft features like steel-enforced shoulder straps, secret pockets, and anti-slash fabric.
Bring a Travel-Size First Aid Kit
Even though you took all the precautions during the event, you can’t be 100% certain that you won’t get injured. Accidents can happen when you least expect them. Nevertheless, having a travel-size first aid kit will help you prepare for them. A travel-size first aid kit contains items that can clean wounds, as well as help reduce pain and provide relief. Some of the basic things found in travel-size first aid kits include bandages, self-adhesive wraps, alcohol, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, and anti-diarrhea medication.
Keep in mind that a travel-size first aid kit can’t heal all wounds and injuries. It’s mainly used for treating minor injuries. If you or someone you know requires medical attention during the event, go to the nearest medical station ASAP. Well-planned mass gatherings always have medical services and personnel on standby.
Prepare a List of Emergency Contacts
Having a list of emergency contacts can seriously help you if ever you experience a crisis during the event. When someone sees that you’re in distress, strangers can ask or look for your emergency contact person and call your loved one to let them know your situation.
In the case of medical emergencies, such as epileptic or severe allergy attacks, your emergency contact list should include medical personnel who can guide over the phone, ensuring you get the right first aid treatment.
Designate a Meeting Spot
Attending a mass gathering with your closest friends and family can make the experience more enjoyable. However, keeping everybody together can be tough, especially when the large venue is filled with so many people. Since the chances of getting lost during the event are high, it’s in your best interest to designate a meeting spot where you and your friends can converge in case one of you accidentally strays away from the group. This way, you can easily find each other and regroup. And this strategy works even without a phone too. In case someone lost their phone in a chaotic emergency situation, they know where to find their companions
Attending a mass gathering doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. You can enjoy the activities with thousands of other people as long as you keep these safety tips and strategies in mind.
