Risk: Crowd Safety

I hate busy restaurants! Especially the big ones. They make me nervous. One time when I was a teenager I was in a busy restaurant and someone tripped a fire alarm. I witnessed the alarm tripping and knew there was no fire. I have never seen such a display of stupidity from human beings. First there was denial. No one did anything for about 1 minute. The alarm was loud so they did what Americans do best, gawked. They looked around expecting someone to tell them what to do. Then when someone, an employee, calmly said that what they heard was a fire alarm and would they please quickly exit at the marked exits. Instead of orderly walking out of the building, as a group they all stood up and ran toward the entrance, where they came in, some even running by exits that were close to them. Ever since then, I have not liked large crowds in confined spaces. That is not to say that I don’t go to a football game or concert, I am just very careful when I do.
I’ve been asked several times after telling that story about how I manage risk in a large crowd environment. One answer is simple: Unless you are absolutely required to be in attendance, avoid large crowded environments. Of course, when there are times when you have limited choice and must venture into that environment, or want attend a large event, then use good habits of situational awareness and adopt a bias towards action, or have a set idea of what to do, and do it without thinking.

Large groups of people will always attract a certain amount of risk. Never underestimate the volatility of people in large groups. Any significant event, even a “perceived” event, can result in a stampede. People are injured and die every year during Black Friday Sales events when they become victims of a frenzied mob. A fire, an explosion or an active shooter can all create a mob mentality that will take on a life of its own.

The secret to surviving any event in a crowded venue will depend almost entirely on your ability to control personal panic, to assess the situation and to take immediate action. If you panic, you dramatically increase your odds of injury or death.

Here are a few strategies that will decrease your risk. Concentration is initially involved, but after practice, these habits can become natural and seemingly effortless.

1. Situational Awareness. Keep your eyes up, off the smart phone and scan your environment. This can be challenging due to the large volume of people. But try actively scanning and looking for out-of-the-norm behaviors. People moving upstream and against the flow, for example, are out-of-the-norm. People moving faster or slower than the crowd, or whose gestures or attitude do not match the event.

I have a friend who works in a department store in theft prevention. In a glance, he can spot someone about to shoplift. Their behaviors are out-of-the-norm. A shoplifter will always stand right next to the shelf before he pockets the item, whereas a normal shopper stands back to be able to see the contents of the shelves.

2. Identify specific threats or threatening behavior. Look for menacing behavior or people who by their looks cause you to feel uncomfortable. Trust your gut. There may be a valid reason why they make you feel uncomfortable. If you are in proximity, move away. As always, look for orphans: bags or packages without owners. Alert security if you see them, but do not stand next to them waiting for security to arrive.

3. Identify exits. Whenever I enter a room, or area, one of the first things I do is scan for exits. Especially in a place I am unfamiliar with. Are there emergency exits? Are they alarmed? Are they locked? What about windows? Can they be opened? Is there a heavy object like a chair I can throw through the window to create an exit?

4. Look for exits on the opposite side of the room from the entrance or at right angles to the entrance. Most people will bypass emergency exits in close proximity to them to go back to the entrance they came in through. This behavior has led to many deaths in ballroom and concert fires. People who are panicking seek the familiar.

5. Identify cover. Cover refers to safety from fire. A brick wall may stop bullets, but sheetrock walls will not. Solid furniture may seem solid, but even a two inch thick oak table will not stop a 9mm round. But concealment doesn’t give the shooter a target. You must find something substantial if shooting starts. The engine block and front axle of a car for example may provide enough cover for one person. The car door, not so much. There generally isn’t much cover inside of a building and it’s best to head for the exit.

6. When an event occurs, grab your family members and head for the exit. Pick up and carry children. Have your family members (spouse, others with you) grab a hold of your belt. Move assertively towards the PRE-SELECTED exit. Move with the crowd “downstream,” but also in a diagonal direction until you can reach a wall inside. If outside, move along the edge of the crowd, where you can better control your movement. Don’t be afraid to damage or destroy the fixtures, or even the building itself to get out. This may include breaking open windows, kicking open doors, or breaking locks. Timidity will not be helpful, your primary concern must be your family. Once they’re safe, you can decide whether or not to render aid to others.

7. Carry essential gear. Essential gear for an outside event: Water bottle, First Aid kit with a tourniquet, multi-tool, sunglasses that also provide eye protection. For indoor essential gear, add a small pocket flashlight, as cell phone flashlights will not penetrate smoke and haze.

Temember that large crowds can be a risk. With a little planning, predetermined routes and action can save lives. The most important trait here is a BIAS TOWARDS ACTION. Take action to improve your crowd situation.

Semper Paratus

Burn