Safety tips for staying safe in large crowds

TORONTO – Large crowds, especially in confined spaces, can turn deadly in the case of a security incident or panic. Some expert tips for staying safe:

— Retain situational awareness i.e.: know what’s going on around you

— Have several escape routes

— Know where the nearest exit is, including alternatives

— In the event of panic or stampede, stay calm, don’t fight crowd, work toward the periphery

— Suffocation can occur even while upright, so try to ensure you can breathe

— If you fall and can’t get up, roll up in a ball and try to keep from being trampled.

— Have a designated meeting place in case of separation from friends and family

Quote: “These are really sobering things that nobody really wants to talk about (but) it’s important to have a dialogue about what do you do when a bad thing happens.” _Russ Simons, managing partner Venue Solutions Group

SOURCE: York University, Venue Solutions Group