No one can ever judge beforehand how a crowd at a concert, gathering, rally, or event will be. No matter how much experience an event management team has, the security team should be prepared to face any crowd. They need to have the efficient expertise to accurately judge the crowd’s mood so that they can take steps accordingly.
No one would deny that handling a massive cluster of people is very challenging, be it a large arena or a comparatively small venue. It requires effective execution of the preset event security plan. If the crowd control is not up to the mark, there is a high risk of chaotic injuries and can even cause fatalities. Therefore, it is vital to have a comprehensive crowd-control plan in place before hosting any event.
Pointers and Tips to Consider for Managing a Big Crowd at Events
The personnel assigned to manage the whole crowd at events have the expertise to control any chaos or problem and have been trained in event security. They perfectly know how to deal with guests and also how to stop someone if they have been misbehaving. Following the preset rules and regulations must be the first action at any gathering or program.
Other than that, there are a few factors which, if considered, can ease the process of crowd control and can help the security guards with their job a bit:
Plan Everything Ahead of the Event
There should be no doubt that pre-planning is the most important thing to do before any event. It is a non-negotiable topic. It is nearly impossible to have proper crow control without planning everything ahead of the event.
It must be of utmost importance to the event organizers to consider the total number of attendees. Moreover, even the venue and the kind of occasion should be regarded to initiate the plan. This whole plan or strategy must have a detailed layout of every exit and entrance. The seating arrangement, if required, is to be created as the emergency escape route.
Event organizers must also carefully look out for and clearly understand the potential risks and hazards, such as overcrowding, inadequate lighting, or obstacles that could impede crowd movement.
Communication between All the Employees Should Be Clear
Any event organizer’s biggest mistake is planning out everything yet needing proper communication between the guards. Communication is equally as important as planning. Every employee must have a device to talk to and contact each other if there is some issue with managing the crowd.
There should be a banner, or the attendees must be previously informed about how they could communicate with the guards assigned if they face any problem. It becomes difficult for people to hear you even in huge crowds.
Another point that should be considered is informing the event security beforehand about important information, such as where to find restrooms, exits, and food vendors. They must know of the alterations or modifications in schedules and if there might be some change in weather so that they can plan something to safeguard the guests.
There Should Always Be a First Aid Counter
It is expected that there will be some hustle-bustle in crowds. And if it is a concert, then it is probable that there will be jostling. It is standard for people to get hurt in crowds because of all the pushing and excitement among people. It becomes essential to have first aid counters for such emergencies.
Trained medical professionals, access to drinking water, and emergency first aid kits are mandatory at every event. Every organizer is supposed to remember this while planning the gathering.
If someone is hurt and does not get the care and first aid required, it would affect the reputation of the host, organizer, and venue management team.
It Is Important to Keep a Check on the Alcohol Consumption of Attendees
There are events, especially parties, with alcohol counters or bars. However, consumption should be very controlled. Excessive alcohol consumption during events can lead to unruly and indecent behavior, which must not happen in gatherings. If a single person starts misbehaving, it might lead to other guests feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.
It becomes the duty of the crowd control team to see how much the attendees have alcohol. There should be a set limit of servings, and no one would be given more than that limit. If someone loses control of their conscience, they must be immediately taken care of and moved away from the main venue.
The bartenders should also be trained enough to understand if someone is overconsuming or getting intoxicated. They must strictly refuse to serve any more drinks to that individual.
The Required Number of Staff Should Beposted at Different Positions of the Venue
It becomes vital that there are an adequate number of competent guards posted all over the arena when the event concerns a large number of guests. A set strategy should be known to every crowd control personnel so they can follow it to solve any discrepancy and issue in the crowd.
Yes, it is challenging to control unruly crowds, but the employees already know what happens in such situations. They know precisely how to tackle every individual and when they need to act if some cluster or person does not adhere to the rules.
They are permitted to take decisive action against misbehavior and misconduct in guests. They can even be led out of the arena.
Conclusion
No event security plan is complete without crowd control. It should be given the proper attention, and people taking care of the event should know when to do what. Every situation should be communicated efficiently, and action should be taken accordingly.
The abovementioned pointers are the crucial tricks of crowd control and other essential tips. Some include monitoring social media interactions, putting up banners, and having a foolproof emergency plan to convey to the guests.
Everyone at an event deserves to enjoy themselves and have a good time. If the personnel are good and do their job effortlessly, no one should have any worries and can enjoy their time. Every attendee should feel safe and secure in crowds, which is crowd control’s fundamental motto.
