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Unit 12: Crowd Management and Evacuation

teach effective escape procedures; driver educations courses encourage safe driving; and Notes
first aid, saving lives. Yet, there is little to guide the public to anticipate and respond to
danger signals in crowds. Education about crowd dynamics and the role of individuals in
crowds is sorely needed on a national basis. The consequences of the various modes of
individual and groups behavior should be afforded equal importance with other safety
programs by governmental, educational, and public services agencies. It is time to include
this safety concern with others taught to the public.

Notes The media can also play a significant role in public education by promoting special
features, programs, and public service announcements relating to crowd safety and personal
and group responsibilities. They can help discourage present safety hazards at large events
such as the use of open flames and firecrackers. They can also monitor the crowd
management techniques of facilities at indoor and outdoor events for their audiences.
Facilities, too, can educate the public by publicizing and enforcing their house rules and
by setting a courteous, professional level of conduct for their staff.
(iii) Drugs and Alcohol Abuse: Drug and alcohol abuse is a national crisis, not just a problem at
rock concerts. That recognition does not, however, diminish the problem at rock concerts
and at other events where patrons use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol. The complex and
overwhelming task of enforcing drug and alcohol laws at major events without violating
individuals rights has facilities and law enforcement agencies directing their attention to
drug sellers rather than to users. This, in turn, has created a belief among patrons that the
illegal use of drugs/alcohol is possible if not acceptable at major events. New and equitable
methods of enforcing relevant laws are needed. This is an area where facility operators
and law enforcement agencies must cooperate and patrons, regardless of age or social
standing, must assume the consequences of breaking the law.
The sale of alcoholic beverages at rock concerts and other events where rowdy audiences
are expected or where a high percentage of the audience will be under the legal age for
consuming alcohol can have adverse effects. When these conditions exist - rowdiness,
high level of excitability - the potential for and detrimental effects of alcohol abuse become
very real.

Example: Prohibition on alcohol sales may reduce concession profits, many facility
operators by such action reflect their concern for the safety of their patrons.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
1. .............................. must take into account all the elements of an event especially the type of
event (circus, sporting, theatrical, concert, rally, parade, etc.), characteristics of the facility,
size and demeanor of the crowd, methods of entrance, communications, crowd control,
and queueing.
2. Crowd management comprises of the .............................. taken to organize and manage
crowds.
3. The sale of alcoholic beverages at rock concerts and other events where rowdy audiences
are expected or where a high percentage of the audience will be under the ..............................
age for consuming alcohol can have adverse effects.

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