Summer brings countless opportunities to gather with friends, family, and neighbors. From local festivals and outdoor concerts to county fairs and sporting events, community gatherings create lasting memories and strengthen connections. And while these events are meant to be enjoyable, they also place large numbers of people in shared spaces.
A little preparation can help everyone stay safe while still wholeheartedly enjoying the experience.
Situational Awareness Matters
Situational awareness doesn’t mean being fearful or constantly looking for danger. Honestly, I know there are people that can’t help being paranoid in large gatherings but I’m not one of them, nor would I ever encourage anyone to live with that level of constant anxiety. Rather, situational awareness in this context simply means paying attention to your surroundings.
When you arrive at an event, take a few moments to notice:
- Where the exits are located
- Areas that may become congested
- Security personnel or event staff locations
- First aid stations
- Information booths or designated assistance areas
It is easiest to notice and retain information before an incident occurs. And knowing where these resources are located can make a significant difference at the onset of an emergency.
Establish a Family Meeting Point
Large events can become really crowded and really chaotic, really quickly. That level of mayhem would make it easy for family members to become separated.
So before exploring, choose a clearly identifiable meeting location. Some things to consider for a good meeting place are:
- An information booth
- A prominent landmark
- A designated entrance or exit
- An easily identifiable area
Make sure every family member knows where to go if they become separated.
Preventing Lost Child Incidents
For families with young children, consider taking a current photo before arriving at the event or as soon as you get there. Dress children in easy to spot clothing and discuss what they should do if they cannot find a parent or guardian.
I always worry about my kids wandering off in busy places so I dress them in bright colors that I can see from miles away and make sure to take a photo first thing so I know exactly what they look like that day. That may sound a little extreme but I can’t tell you how many cases I’ve handled in my previous life (as a police officer) where parents didn’t remember what their kids were wearing prior to them going missing. Sometimes it was even hard for parents to find a recent photo of their kids. I suppose this is my way of making sure I avoid ever being in that situation myself.
Teach children to seek help from event staff, security personnel, or uniformed first responders. Make sure kids know what to look for on uniforms so they can identify people that work at the different places you visit. Things they can look for on a person or worker can include:
- Radios
- Vests
- Uniform colors
- Whistles
- Words on backs of shirts
If an Emergency Occurs
Most emergencies are resolved quickly and safely. But if something unexpected happens:
- Remain as calm as possible
- Follow instructions from event staff or emergency personnel
- Move away from the area if directed
- Avoid rushing or pushing through crowds
- Keep track of your kids
- Follow your plan
Preparedness should never take away from the fun. In fact, it should help ensure that everyone can focus on enjoying the event and feel confident knowing that if things went south, there’s a plan in place for what to do.
This summer, take a few extra moments to familiarize yourself with your surroundings because these small actions can make a big difference.
