Safety in Crowds, Arenas, and Stadiums
Other than the fear of getting your purse snatched or wondering if you remembered to apply deodorant, there is another worry you have in these situations. If there is a panic, for any reason, your life may be in danger.
Your biggest worry is fire. When fire breaks out in large venues, there tends to be panic. Groups of people tend to feed off each other’s emotions. It only takes one person to start a chain reaction of panic. This will, in turn, cause people to start to run, push, and even fight.
When you enter any large arena, stadium, or theater, look around you for the fire exits. These should be marked by glowing red signs that say exit’ on them. These should be bright enough to be seen when the lights go down. Know where the ones closest to you are and show your children where they are as well.
Your other big worry is being crushed in a surging crowd. This is more likely to happen at large sporting events than anywhere else, but it can happen anywhere. When people panic, they tend to rush the exits. If you happen to be in the way, it is likely you may be injured, and in some cases, even killed by the rushing crowd.
Have your wits about you in any crowded situation. If you are in a standing-room-only concert, be aware of the mood of the crowd around you. If it feels like trouble, it just might be. Most crowds, even ones who are worked up, are safe, but you can’t count on this.
If you sense things may be getting out of control, begin to move out of the center of the crowd as quickly and calmly as you can. Look for a less crowded area to go to. Use your shoulder to gentle but firmly push your way through the crowd if things are tight.
When faced with either situation, remember leave your personal belongings behind. Many people don’t carry much with them to concerts or sporting events, but moms at children’s concerts do. You can throw your purse over your shoulder but if there is immediate danger, worry more about getting yourself, and your children, out of harms way. You can always replace your diaper bag but you can’t replace your children.
In the event an unruly crowd knocks you to the ground, throw your arms around your head and wrap yourself into a ball. You may still get hurt, but this will offer some protection to your head and body. If you have children with you, have them do the same.
If you are in the riser seats in a stadium or arena when trouble breaks out, try to remain in your seats if you can. If you have a bag with you, push it under your seat as far as you can so no one trips over it if you are forced to move.
Keep identification on your children at all times. When there is a problem, chances are good you may be separated. You child’s name and your cell phone number (or home number) should be written somewhere, even if it’s on a piece of paper in their pocket. Instruct them to give it to someone they trust, like an event employee or a police officer, if they get separated from you.
In most cases, you are relatively safe in these environments, but be aware of what can happen. The most important things to remember are that you need to know where the exits are and to be mindful of what is going on around you. It’s far better to get out safe than to ignore your guts feels just because you don’t want to miss the event.
