When you are in a crowd situation, it’s important to beaware of yourself and your surroundings. Some tips forstaying safe when surrounded by people include:

• Make sure you are sufficiently hydrated before enteringa crowd. If you feel shaky or unwell, it is best to avoida crowd situation.

• If you know you will be in a crowd, avoid using alcohol or drugs.

• Be certain your cell phone is fully charged. Keep yourphone, keys, ID, and other important items physicallyon you, not in a purse or backpack.

• When possible, walk with someone else. This is especially important if you must go through a crowdthat is rowdy, includes a lot of people who have beendrinking, or is agitated about an event or situation.

• Consider your physical location. Avoid getting pinnedagainst buildings or barricades or trapped in a spacethat offers no options for escape.

• Be aware of the “crowd density level.” If you are having difficulty raising your hand to touch your noseor are being pressed against on all sides by others, thecrowding has reached a critical level.

• If you are caught in a movingcrowd, don’t try to go against the flow. Keep moving with thecrowd and do your best to worktoward its edges until you canbreak away from its momentum.

• Keep your feet underneath you. If you are having trouble stayingupright, ask the person next toyou for help.

• If you are in a group, do yourbest to keep everyone together.Designate meetup places in casepeople get separated.

CROWDSafety Tips

Whether you are walking to work or attending anevent, it’s possible that you may get caught up in a large crowd of people.

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Source: “Crowd Safety Tips” by Larry B. Perkins, ManagingCrowds.com