Last month we talked about how to stay together as a group when you are in a large crowd. But these days, staying safe in a large crowd also means being cognizant of your surroundings and those around you. When thinking about crowds, recent political protests come to mind. These gatherings have attracted thousands of people. While almost all have been peaceful, it’s easy for circumstances to quickly change when so many people are involved.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your property safe at any event that involves thousands of people:
- Keep it where you can feel it. Many men keep their wallets in their back pockets. In a large, close crowd, that wallet could be snatched up or fall out in the blink of an eye. If you need to put things in your pockets, use your front pockets.
- If you don’t need it, don’t bring it. Women who carry big purses are notorious for having unnecessary items inside of them – multiple credit cards, rewards cards, gift cards, lipsticks, lip-glosses, pens, receipts. We have two words for you: pare down. Your shoulders and backs will thank you for it. All you really need is identification, keys, cash and a phone.
- Always be alert. Be aware of your surroundings. Make a mental note of all exits and know where police officers and paramedics are located in case of emergencies. And don’t get caught against a wall or a fence. If an event gets unruly, you’ll be trapped and possibly injured.
We hope you follow these suggestions the next time you attend a large-scale event. Being a little proactive will ensure you have a fun and SAFE time!