Festival Safety: Expert Tips for Large Crowds

Coachella Season Arrives, Safety Experts Urge Preparedness

As thousands flock to the Coachella Valley for the annual music festival, safety remains a top concern for event organizers and attendees alike. With massive crowds, extreme heat, and the general excitement of live music, experts are reminding festival-goers to prioritize preparedness and awareness.

Planning Ahead for Festival Crowds

Brian Honeyut, a safety event consultant for the Pink Bose Foundation, emphasizes the importance of planning before arriving at large events. “One of the greatest things that we can do is plan ahead and think ahead about what we’re taking with us, who we’re going with,” Honeyut stated. He advises attendees to prepare for hydration needs and to be aware of the environment they will be entering.

Understanding the festival space is a crucial first step. “Looking at the space that you’re going to be in when you enter is always a great first step and understanding that you’re going to be part of those big crowds,” he explained. Recognizing when a crowd becomes too tight or uncomfortable is key to preventing dangerous situations.

Security Risks and Attendee Awareness

Large festivals present unique risks that attendees should be aware of. Honeyut highlighted the importance of paying attention to surroundings and the people nearby. “The biggest risk in these areas is getting lost in the excitement and not paying attention to your surroundings,” he noted.

Security professionals at festival entrances screen for prohibited items. Knowing what you can and cannot bring into the venue is a significant safety measure. Honeyut also stressed the importance of identifying exit points and open spaces within the crowd. “Can I safely get to that space? And when I feel start to feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to move towards that exit,” he advised.

Recognizing Dangerous Crowds

Honeyut provided clear indicators that a crowd may be becoming too dangerous: “If you’re not able to lift your hands above your head, the crowd’s starting to get too tight. If you’re not able to decide where you’re going to move and you’re being moved with the crowd, then it’s time to look for that exit point.”

Evolving Security Measures Post-Tragedy

Recent tragedies, such as the Las Vegas festival shooting and the Astroworld deaths, have led to increased scrutiny and changes in security measures at large events. The Pink Bose Foundation was established in the wake of the Astroworld incident, specifically in honor of Madison Kisicki, one of the lives lost.

The foundation focuses on education for attendees, event organizers, and security personnel. “How to recognize when these crowds are starting to get too large, too tight, and how to showstop,” Honeyut explained. They offer a “showstop procedure course” for event controllers and operators to identify signs and know when to halt an event.

The Role of Event Staff

Honeyut emphasized that security and event staff are present to ensure a safe experience for everyone. “Those security folks and the staff that are there to help the crowd, they’re not there to stop people from having fun, they’re there to make sure that we can control the situation and get people to safety,” he said.

Making eye contact with security and staff upon arrival can be beneficial. “Say hello to the security staff. Say hello to the staff that’s in the area. Make that eye contact. That way, you know where they are. They know where you are,” Honeyut suggested. This establishes a connection and reinforces that staff are there to assist.

Pink Bose Foundation’s Growing Mission

While Honeyut was unsure if the Pink Bose Foundation would have direct representatives at Coachella this year, he confirmed their presence at many festivals globally. The foundation is expanding its mission to include creating “safe spaces” at events.

“Our goal is to make sure that Pink Bose Foundation has that presence at large events around the world and has that space that we can continue to grow the mission and continue to make sure that we’re creating that safe space for all attendees,” Honeyut stated. Their work aims to foster a safer environment for everyone attending large-scale gatherings.

Essential Festival Goer Takeaways

For any festival-goer, Honeyut offered a critical piece of advice regarding technology: “Before you get to that festival, understand that your phone’s going to be used constantly.” He recommended bringing an extra battery pack or writing down important phone numbers in case a phone dies.

“Have a plan. Make sure you’re talking to the folks that you’re going with. Have a have a strategy as far as where you’re going to meet if you get separated,” he urged. Creating contingency plans allows attendees to focus on safety and then fully enjoy the festival experience.

Ultimately, while music, fashion, and camping are major draws for festivals like Coachella, safety must remain a priority. By preparing, staying aware, and knowing how to react, attendees can ensure a memorable and safe experience.

Source: Coachella crowds: How to stay safe at massive events like music festivals (YouTube)