Safety in Numbers

Florida

The summer outdoor event season is upon us and it's likely your family will soon attend a crowded concert, festival or other outdoor activity. In the past 10 years, there have been more than 232 deaths due to crowd-control failures and more than 66,000 people have been injured during outdoor events worldwide.

Concerts, sports arenas, and other performance events should be a safe, entertaining activity for the public. Conscientious promoters, security firms, and performing artists must create a secure environment for all. It is their legal responsibility to do this to look out for the safety of their patrons. Unfortunately, many concert planners are more concerned about the bottom line than they are about the safety of their patrons.

Consider the following when attending events this summer:

. Arrive early - allow yourself time to become familiar with the venue. Where are the emergency exits, medical assistance facilities, etc?

. Make a game plan - discuss where to meet with friends and/or family in case you get separated. Make sure you have your cell phones.

. Stay away from front stage - if something goes wrong you won't have much time to escape and you can't rely on security to get you out in time - crowd crushes can occur anywhere but be particularly careful of areas where people are standing or no permanent seating is placed.

. Be aware of ground conditions - the weather is unpredictable - note where you are standing and what potential problems might occur if rain, hail or wind occurs - if necessary move to a better space.

. Avoid crowd surfing, stage diving and moshing - don't do it - there is a high risk of injury and a higher risk of hurting those around you.

. Watch out for the crowd's inevitable rush to leave - most injuries happen while the crowd is pushing out of the venue - consider leaving before the end or well after the end of the show.

On December 3, 1979, concert ticket holders in a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 were crushed to death and many were injured trying to enter a sold-out rock concert by The Who in Cincinnati, Ohio.

For more information visit www.crowdsafe.com, www.safeconcerts.com or www.crowddynamics.com.

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