Security Management in Events
Security Management includes formulating, preparing and implementing security
plans and strategies for events i.e. how to protect delegates,
guests, service, providers, organizes, sponsors, partners, clients,
target, audience, media people goods and merchandise and yourself
from unforeseen circumstances like:
1. Fire
In case of fire at the event venue, use fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. In the mean time take everyone out of the venue safely. Develop a separate emergency exit plan for this. If fire is uncontrollable then call the fire brigade.
Follow fire code and safety regulations to prevent the fire as specified below:
1. Don't place any combustible or inflammable material in the venue esp. near green rooms, guest rooms or seating area.
2. All materials including prop must be properly treated with fire retardant solution.
3. Make sure that the entrance and exit ways are not blocked by any material or by any means.
4. Make sure that the event venue must have separate entrance and exit ways, fire alarm system and fire extinguishers.
5. Use only those electrical equipments which are branded and which use three core wires.
6. At least one doctor with first aid box along with the ambulance must be there at the venue to handle medical emergency.
7. Your staff must be well trained about giving first aid like CPR and must be able to handle fire extinguishers and crowd in case of fire.
2. Power Failure
If you are organizing event at a place where power failure is common, then you should have adequate power backup.
In case of a power failure, switch on the emergency lights and then turned on the generators. If you have UPS (uninterrupted power supply) system, then it is the best. If you cant arrange such types of power backups, then at least you should have torch or candles.
Create a separate emergency plan to handle crowd and guests in case of a power failure.
3. Equipment Failure
Use equipments of only reputed brands so that the possibility of their failure is least.
Hire only those light and sound technicians who know how to fix up their equipments in case of any problem and who carry backup equipments also.
Create a separate emergency plan to manage programs and performers in case of a power failure.
4. Medical Emergency
A paramedical team along with ambulance must be present at the event venue. If this is out of budget, then at least a doctor with first aid box must be present.
Your whole event team must be well trained in giving first aid like check for breathing, CPR, controlling bleeding, effecting a prompt rescue.
If possible try to know the medical history of your guests in advance and then prepare your medical emergency plan accordingly. For e.g. if a guest is allergic to grass and weed pollens, then you should make sure that he doesn't sit near grass.
5. Brawl/Stampede
Have the necessary security arrangements in place for crowd control and policing. Have barriers and signage in place so large crowds are managed and funnelled safely.
If it a large or major event such as a football match you should consult with the police before the event so they can advise on security arranegments and make sure they are aware of what is going on. Carry out a full risk assessment and always plan for the worst case scenario.
6. Bad Weather
if you are hosting an outdoor event, always have arrangements in place in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.This way your event can be a success, whatever the weather. Arrange alternative indoor entertainment or actrivitioes and have portable marquees ready and waiting if required.
7. Last Minute Turn Down
Have alternative arrangements in place as much as possible for all aspects of your event. What if your key speaker pulls out at the last minute, the DJ pulls out or your special guest doesn't show up?
8. Sponsorship Withdrawal
It's a good idea to have a back up organization lined up as an alternative sponsor, just incase your primary sponsor withdraws for any reason.