Security Tips: How to Stay Safe in A Big Crowd in Houston, TX

While there is safety in numbers, being a member of a huge crowd is not without dangers. This is particularly true for big gatherings and public events such as music festivals, concerts, athletic events, and street parties. People worldwide are eager to attend these events as pandemic restrictions are lifted, and the weather changes. With so many people prepared to do so, remaining safe is more important than ever.

As a leading guard and patrol security company in Houston, here are our suggestions for safeguarding your friends and loved ones while remaining safe at large-crowd events.

1.     Locate exit doors and know when to leave:

Once you’ve arrived, you must always know the location of at least two exit doors. This will give you a clear and safe path out of the area in the event of an emergency. Recognizing where the exits are useless if you don’t know when to leave. Always trust your instincts and don’t put off deciding until it’s too late. Listen for fire alarms, keep an eye out for a smoke, and don’t be hesitant to report to a security guard what you observe.

Furthermore, keep an eye on others around you. If you observe a shift in the crowd or an increase in security, that might be an indication to leave early.

2.     Learn how to move through a crowd.

Knowing how to navigate a huge crowd is critical in the unusual case of a crowd rush (also known as a stampede). You should not fight the crowd’s force and take a boxer’s stance if this happens. To shield yourself, keep your hands in front of your face and your feet planted firmly. If you do fall, curl into a ball to protect yourself, remain calm, and get back up as quickly as possible. If the movement comes to a halt, even for a split second, make your way diagonally to the corners rather than straight forward or the side.

3.     Have a backup plan in case you need to call for help.

What if your phone dies or you can’t get service during the event? How are you going to communicate with others or with emergency workers? Some applications can turn your phone into a walkie-talkie that works without cellular connectivity. To save battery life, consider shutting off your phone while not in use or avoid using it until necessary.

4.     Dress appropriately.

While some music festivals are more like fashion shows than music festivals, keep your outfit options in mind in case of an emergency. Layering is essential if you’re caught in a hot or chilly environment. Are you wearing shoes that you can run in if an evacuation or getaway is needed?

Let Our Houston Security Company Help

If you will be putting on a large event in the Houston, Texas, area, our private security guards can help safeguard against potential issues. Contact our PGP Security team today to learn more about our security solutions.