Crowd Management

What is crowd management? Crowd Management is the systematic process of planning, organizing, and monitoring large gatherings of people. This process anticipates and plans for the worst-case scenario and identifies ways to reduce the risk associated with large crowds in advance. Crowd management is a critical function in ensuring a safe event for attendees. 

Before the Event

• Ensure proper operation of safety systems; sprinklers, alarms, emergency lighting, etc.
• Egress routes are clearly defined, accessible, and clear of obstructions
• Doors operate properly and are properly secured to prevent unauthorized entry but allow unimpeded egress
• Decorations, promotions, and other advertisements do not contribute to contribute to fire spread
• Check and review the weather report often.
• Outline the Safety Plan 

During the Event

• Perform constant situation assessments, always scanning the area and crowd to identify potential problems
• Understand and enforce the venue’s policies and procedures such as prohibited items, reentry, and removal of patrons
• Observations and actions include:
• Maintaining the egress path; especially from patrons standing in the aisles
• Monitoring patron behavior, identifying potential unruly persons quickly and requesting assistance as needed
• Observing for incipient stages of an emergency; medical needs, incipient fire stage, etc.
• Sounding the alarm
• Initiating/complying with emergency procedures; evacuation, shelter in place, lock down

After the Event

• Period is from the end of the event until as specified in the emergency/safety plan CM’s must continue to monitor:
• Crowd behavior
• Egress pathways
• Area of assignment for emergency needs
• Security of the venue after patrons have left
• Ensure smooth egress of patrons as they exit and avoid overcrowding/bottlenecks
• Be ready to enact emergency procedures as needed