Friday, December 4, 2015

Retail Crowd Safety

When a person considers a dangerous environment, a retail location is not usually at the top of the list. Unfortunately the busy holiday shopping season has led to heated arguments, injuries, and even death. Employers have a responsibility to do everything in their power to keep their employees and customers safe. While there should always be a crowd management plan, there must also be special considerations for the holiday season. Read on for some tips from us when it comes to crowd control.

·         Hire extra staff for the holiday season. This is something that many retailers already do to keep up with the increase in sales. In addition, be sure there is enough staff for each specific department. This includes staff that works the registers, fitting rooms, stocking, and much more.

·         Make sure to have an emergency plan in place for your workers to follow. This applies to any dangers your workers may face including fire, crowd crushing, violent store acts, and overcrowding. Make sure each employee understands what to do in each situation.

·         When your store is having a major sale be sure to have crowd control barriers in place. This may include barricades for forming store lines and barricades in certain store aisles to prevent overcrowding. This includes having the proper signage. Signs should clearly indicate information to customers in line, provide a clear path to exits, and explain sales.

·         Have plans in place for winter safety. This includes many different things. Have an inclement weather plan in place in case a store location must be shut down. Even if your location stays open it is likely many employees will call in. You must also be sure to keep parking lots plowed and sidewalks shoveled and salted. Eliminate any hazard to your employees and customers.

·         Focus extra attention on the days that are projected to be the busiest. This allows you to add extra staff and security. The projected busiest shopping days this month according to Shoppertrak are as follows: December 5th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, and 26th.

·         Spend extra time on the normal safety precautions that go into managing a store and train your employees to do so as well. Remind employees to always pick up items off the floor to avoid tripping hazards. Clothing racks must be watched, as customers can easily ram into racks that are bare of merchandise and injure themselves. Spills should be cleaned up promptly.


These tips can help you avoid making headlines this holiday season for all the wrong reasons. In a retail environment it is of course a priority to make sales, but keeping employees and customers safe must be your highest priority. 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Black Friday Tips

Black Friday is just over a week away. Are you planning on braving the crowds to get some holiday deals? Well there’s a few things you should keep in mind before you go.

One:  Check out the ads before you shop. You can find some of them online already. Now is the time to compare prices and find out where the best deals are. Once you’ve found them, have a list of the stores you want to hit and the items you want to buy.

Two: Have a plan in place before you want to leave to shop. Know which stores you want to check out, and place them in an order. Some stores open Thanksgiving for a limited time before closing, some open Thanksgiving and stay open overnight, and some don’t open until Black Friday. Knowing store hours and doorbuster schedules is important to scoring the best deals.

Three: Check online sales before you go shopping. It’s possible that retail locations are offering the same deals, or even better, online. If the items you want are a better price online you can do all your shopping from home and avoid the crowds.

Four: If possible, avoid waiting in line for a store to open. Store openings have cause injuries and even deaths on Black Friday due to unruly customers trying to get to their sales. An easy way to avoid this is to start shopping several hours after stores have already opened. Besides, this means you can relax at home and finish up dinner instead of standing in a long line!  

Five: When you are physically in the store, be aware of your surroundings. It is often possible to notice if a situation is going to escalate. Watch for individual shoppers that are particularly loud, disruptive, angry, and rushed. One of these shoppers can spur on others. If you notice a disturbance in an area of a store starting, remove yourself from the situation and alert store staff or security.

Six: Practice car safety while driving and parking. It’s not worth the risk to race another car for a parking spot or to get through a yellow light. Actions like these are what lead to accidents. Keep in mind that while you are in parking lots, there will be a great deal of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. If you are driving always yield to pedestrians and vehicles. If you are a pedestrian do not trust cars to stop for you. Always be aware of what is happening around you.

Seven: Keep a close eye on your possessions while you shop. Black Friday is very crowded, and it makes it a prime time for thieves to try and steal your money, purchases, and even your identity. Carry a purse that zips to keep hands away from your wallet. Always keep your items you’ve purchased out of sight in your car. At the register, make sure no one near you is in a position to view your credit or debit card details.


Black Friday has become a tradition here in America, but never forget the risks involved when there are large crowds in small areas. Keep safe out there! 

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Managing Crowds with Prices

It is common to control crowds with crowd control barriers, security, and signage, but one method that is often forgotten about is crowd control due to pricing.

It’s a method that is often only implemented by large companies that have already found a loyal audience. This strategy for crowd control is usually only used for one reason, which is that the venue or event is already overcrowded.

Overcrowding causes serious problems for venues and events. First off, it is a safety concern. Too many people can lead to injuries because of jostling, overheating, and more. Secondly, if the crowding is too bad it makes it difficult for emergency responders to get to the people who do need aid. Overcrowding also makes the event or venue unpleasant for customers. It leads to long wait times and difficulty navigating from place to place.

This is why some companies and events attempt to control the crowds with prices, and in some cases it can be very effective. Take a look at Disney as an example. Disneyland recently announced that there will be price increases at their park, along with the elimination of some annual passes with the addition of new ones. The most expensive pass available is the Signature Plus pass, which will cost individuals $1,049 and is valid every day of the year. This is $270 more than the Premium pass cost, which had the same perks before it was eliminated.  Annual passes are often a big contribution to overcrowding. Disney has been forced to take action due to a large overcrowding problem that leads to them closing the gates to new visitors on days when the park reaches capacity, leaving customers unhappy and Disney losing money.

A strategy such as this is not limited only to very large companies such as Disney. This is implemented by all sorts of organizations and events. For example, Anime Central, an anime convention in North America, has started to raise prices as the crowds grow every year. This three day convention is the third largest anime convention in North America, with a reported attendance of over 29,000 in 2014. Years ago, when attendance was between 10,000 and 18,000, badges to the event could be obtained for under $40 if attendees bought early. For the 2016 event the cheapest option is $48, increasing up to $70 the closer to the convention you get. In addition, hotel prices have gone up for the next year as well. It is widely speculated that this is an attempt to keep attendance level instead of increasing further. Anime Central sells out an average of four or more hotels in the area, and with that many people in one place crowds get difficult to manage. For the 2016 convention when the room block for two of the hotels was opened they both sold out in under 12 hours, with one hotel selling out in less than one hour. Unless the convention wishes to put a cap on attendance like Comic Con, the only thing they can do is raise prices to try and keep crowds down.


However, using price increases as a form of crowd control is a delicate balance. There will always be people who are willing to pay the price for a popular event or attraction, but if you raise prices too much at one time you may turn away a lot of other people. If you plan to employ this type of crowd control do so with caution.   

Friday, September 18, 2015

Controlling Crowds During Pope Visit

Approximately a week from now, the pope will arrive in Philadelphia. This news has brought a strong mix of reactions. Some people are very excited, some are angry, and some are tired just thinking about navigating the city for those particular days. Officials have been planning for months, amid public praise and outcry over certain practices. Campaigns have been designed to get citizens excited about this visit after backlash due to the logistics of the pope’s visit. Even now, businesses are questioning if they should remain open for the event, or simply close their doors.

Planning and executing crowd control for such a large event is not easy. It takes a great deal of patience and cooperation from many different groups. So what are these groups doing to make this a secure event?

First off, there will be a great deal of road closures, train station closures, and additional public transportation closures. Travel by train has been overhauled for the event. These trains will only travel along certain lines and from certain stations. Many stations will be closed. This also holds true for busses and trolleys, which have modified schedules during the duration of the visit. For individuals hoping to avoid public transportation all weekend and simply drive, they must check on road closures. Multiple highways and bridges will be closed, making travel through the city difficult and long. There are also major roads within the city that vehicles will not be allowed into at all. Residents have been advised to avoid traveling by vehicle during the weekend, as traffic congestion along open roads will be severe.

As vehicles are not allowed within a certain zone, those individuals wishing to see the pope, or even get to work, will have to walk. Pedestrians will have to pass through a security checkpoint before continuing. Once through security, pedestrians will be forced to walk. To make sure people’s views of the pope are not obscured, the main form of crowd control will be 3 ½ foot tall barricades. This is to prevent pedestrians from moving into restricted areas, while still giving them the opportunity to see. For people unable to see the stage, there are plans to broadcast the event on large screens across the area. There will be larger fencing used to secure the perimeter, but this should not obscure the view of people actually inside the perimeter for the event.

Certain services in specific parts of the city will be restricted or removed altogether. For example, mail will not be delivered to certain zip codes. Emergency services will be harder to receive, particularly for occasions such as repairs. There will be plenty of security on hand however, including the National Guard, Secret Service, and more.

Something else to be considered that cannot be controlled is the weather. Many of the pope’s events take place outdoors, and with an estimated 1 million people flocking in for this visit, having a plan for severe weather is essential. That National Weather Service will be providing frequent updates. Individuals may sign up for text alerts regarding weather. In the event that people need to take shelter, officials will usher people into parking garages, hotels, and local businesses. This must happen in advance of a weather event, as there will be many people that need to move to safety. Luckily, severe weather at this time of the year in Philadelphia is rare, but people must still be prepared.  


While the pope’s visit is sure to cause many headaches, it will be well worth the crowd control efforts. 

Friday, September 4, 2015

Holiday Travel Tips

Labor Day weekend begins today. Are you prepared for the crowds that come with it? Keep in mind that gas prices for Labor Day this year are the lowest they’ve been in about a decade. That means a lot of people are going to be on the roads or flying out to visit family, friends, and travel destinations.

While this is great and will lead to long weekends of fun for many people, there are negative side effects. The biggest one is that with more people on the roads, there’s going to be a lot more traffic congestion, delays, and accidents.

Crowd control in a pedestrian environment is entirely different than crowd control of vehicles. Outside of blocking off certain streets, there’s little that can be done in regards to crowds of drivers on the road. We’ve compiled a list of tips for our readers to follow to help them keep safe while on the roads.

·         Before you leave on your trip, check on your car. All maintenance needed should be done so you don’t run into any problems while on the road. Fill up your gas tank as well. A trip that normally takes two hours may take three or four with heavy traffic, so have a full tank of gas!
·         Try to avoid driving during peak travel times. Friday afternoon is predicted to be the worst time for travel this upcoming weekend. If possible, leave earlier on Friday or Saturday morning for lighter traffic. Monday, get on the road in the early afternoon or wait until later that night to avoid more peak traffic.
·         While you are actually on the roads, be a defensive driver. Keep a close eye on traffic patterns and keep your speed to an acceptable level. Everyone is in a hurry to enjoy their weekend, but speeding can be very dangerous, especially when there is a great deal of traffic. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and don’t rush.
·         If you have been drinking, are tired, or are distracted, get off the road. It’s not worth risking your life to get to a destination. Have someone else drive in these circumstances, or wait until you are safely able to operate a vehicle.
·         Be patient. Accept that you will run into traffic. The road is not just for you, so take your time and respect others who are on the road.


That’s not to say you shouldn’t go out and have a great weekend. You should! Just exercise proper precautions, and have a great time! 

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The Ocean and Safety



It’s summer, and a popular destination for vacation is, understandably, the beach. A day at the beach can make for some great memories. However the ocean comes with a huge host of dangers, some from the water itself, and some from the people. It’s important to practice safety when you head to the ocean for the day.

First, we want to address the issue of crowd safety.

Be aware of the time of day and year that you are going to the beach. If possible, avoid going around major holidays, when many other people will be heading to the beach. Huge crowds can be a problem for a number of reasons. More people means less attention for you from the lifeguards, simply because there are so many people to watch. If you have children, it is easy for them to get lost in big crowds and harder for you to keep an eye on them. This goes for both in and out of the water. Out of the water be sure your children are nearby. In the water, keep a close eye on your child while they swim. Even better, always go in the water with them.

You also have to be selective of what beach you choose. If you are taking children make sure the beach you select is family friendly. If not, be sure the beach has the type of crowd you want to participate in. Some beaches have rowdy crowds, forcing you to take extra safety precautions.

The other thing we want to address is water safety.

The best thing you can do when swimming in the ocean is swim with a swim buddy. In addition, always swim within view of a lifeguard. When you take these steps if something goes wrong it is easier to get help. The leading cause of swimming related incidents has to do with rip currents. Read up on the specifics of rip currents so you know how to escape if you get caught in one. Be sure to watch out for aquatic life as well. People know to watch for sharks, but that’s not the only danger out there. Jellyfish, and even some plants can be dangerous, so keep your distance.

Another tip is to always keep your eye on the weather. Check the forecast before you go, and periodically while you are there. If you see lightning, even in the distance, get out of the water. Weather conditions can change very quickly, so you need to be paying attention.


We don’t say any of this to dissuade anyone from heading to the beach for vacation. The ocean is a fascinating, relaxing, and fun thing to experience. We simply remind you that despite this, there are dangers to be aware of. Use common sense, stay safe, and enjoy the beach! 

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Kids and Crowds



We are early into the month of July, which is prime vacation season. Maybe you are going on a big trip to a tourist destination such as Disney World. Maybe you have big events you plan on attending, such as big fairs and festivals. Or perhaps it’s something as simple as a company picnic. No matter what the event, keeping track of children in a crowd can be a huge challenge.

You can make this much less stressful on yourself with a bit of planning and preparation. For the most part, keeping track of kids in crowds uses the same basic strategies no matter the venue you may be in. The strategy does change however, based on the age of the kids. There is a big difference between watching a child who is 4, and one who is 14.

No matter what the ages are though, the most important thing to do is be sure your family has some type of action plan. This includes many things. First, you should have a meeting place picked out in case of emergency. This place should be a safe distance from the crowded festival grounds, but not too far away. Similarly, there should be a dedicated spot within the event venue to meet if separated.

Another good idea for all members of the family is to take a family photo before you go. That way if something happens, you have a recent picture available and you won’t be faced trying to explain what your child looks like or what they are wearing.

For younger kids, it’s a good idea to make them stand out so they are easy to spot. Maybe dress them in bright colors you can easily see, or in something they wear often so you’ll know to look for it. If they have a favorite hat they wear on a near daily basis that is something your eyes will naturally drift to.   

You should also put your phone number somewhere on your child, whether it is on paper in their pocket, or written on their arm. This will make it easy to get in contact with you if you end up separated, especially for young ones who may have a hard time remembering a phone number.

And of course, teach your children about who to go to for help. While the police is the most obvious choice, that may not always be possible. Advise them to go to information booths. If that fails, they should talk to women who have young children, as they are likely mothers with children who would be willing to help. 


These tips should give you a bit of peace of mind while you are out in crowds with your children. Don’t let the crowds stop you from taking children out, just be prepared! 

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Crowd Control for Outdoor Events

Summer is here, and with summer comes a large increase in outdoor events. There’s a huge variety of events that take place in summer, in all sorts of venues. Whether you are hosting a small church festival or a large, international music festival in the middle of the city, you need the proper items to control crowds, and you need to manage the crowds in an appropriate manner.

We’re here to offer solutions. Keeping track of crowds in these conditions isn’t easy, but it is doable when you go in with the correct strategy.

The first step is to find out exactly how much space you have, and have a rough estimate of how many attendees you are expecting. That will dictate how you move forward. The venue also makes a big difference. If you are holding an event in a street, you need a lot of coverage so no vehicles interfere. If it is in a park, there must be clear signage so attendees know where exactly they are to go.

Another important aspect that must be quickly decided is how to establish a perimeter. This is needed to keep track of who is coming in and who is coming out. Some venues already have a clear perimeter set up, but many do not. For those that do not, you have to determine what type of perimeter you plan to use. A popular option is to use some sort of fencing or barrier, which can easily be purchased. You may also choose to have personnel positioned around the perimeter, whether it is volunteers or security. This perimeter is important for security, so be sure you have a plan.

Speaking of planning, you need to have a plan for managing your crowds in case of safety concerns. Consider what may go wrong, no matter how big or small. What if there is inclement weather? There would be a plan in place for alerting attendees and informing them of where to go. What about other things, such as a child getting separated from their guardian? There needs to be specific locations to deal with these sorts of situations, with safe crowd control measures in place.

You must also have a security plan in place. Are you planning to hire security? Work with local or state agencies? Have that established far in advanced. Give them whatever information you can. This includes information about the event, expected attendance, different events being held at the event, and more.

And don’t forget that you need to keep your guests happy. Your crowd control efforts should serve their purpose, but they should not make guests feel unwelcome. Guests should not be afraid of security or feel threatened walking into your event. You want to make this event fun and memorable for your guests.


A lot goes into planning an outdoor event, and this is only some of it. We hope these tips will prove useful, and that your next outdoor event will be a success!

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Crowds and Memorial Day


Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching. Are you prepared to tackle the crowds? It is being predicted that a record number of Americans will be traveling during this holiday weekend. This is being attributed to the fact that it is cheaper to travel this year compared to last.

Everyone is excited for a long weekend, but if you plan to travel you have to be patient. As there will be so many people out and about, travel times are going to be slow. This is the case whether you travel by car or plane, so be prepared.

If you are driving, there are several steps you can take. If it is possible, for instance, try not to leave during peak travel time. This would be Friday night and Monday night. Can you get off early and leave Friday morning? Leave early on Memorial Day? This will go a long way. You should also be sure to fill up your gas tank before leaving. If you can avoid stopping for gas, you can avoid busy gas stations. It’s also a good idea to check on your car. Check your car’s fluids. Make sure your tires aren't low. You’d hate your trip to be ruined because of a setback like that.

Flying? Be sure to get to the airport early, as lines are likely to be long. Make it interesting by planning on activities to do at the airport if you have extra time. Get a meal. Go shopping. It’s better than being late, as with the crowds getting a new flight will be difficult. You can save extra time by checking in for your flight at home and printing your boarding pass. Another good idea is to set up your phone to get alerts if your flight is delayed. That way as soon as you know you can begin making backup arrangements.  

Once you are at your destination, it is up to you. If you’re going to a specific vacation spot such as the beach, get there early. If you are visiting friends or family, you won’t have as many issues.


So pack up and get ready for the long weekend!

Friday, May 1, 2015

May Day Facts

What do you know about May Day? Did you know that it is often used as a day of protest, prompting the use of crowd control?

May Day is celebrated on the first day of May. It is not as widely celebrated in the United States, as the Puritans looked down on it. As such, much of the tradition was dropped. However there are still multiple people out there who celebrate it and use it as a day of protest. So today we want to offer a bit of advice for when you are out and about today.

May Day, also known as International Workers Day, often sees many protests across the world. These protests often center around worker’s rights. While you are not particularly likely to run into trouble, it is good to exercise caution.

This year is particularly different, as individuals are using the occasion to also bring attention to police brutality. Some rallies will focus on labor issues, some on immigration issues, and some on police brutality issues. Some of these rallies will actually focus on all of them at once.


Be prepared for the possibility of traffic delays, public transportation delays, and more. This is particularly likely if you live in a big city. Check your local news to see if rallies are planned so you may adjust your route as necessary.  

Friday, March 13, 2015

St. Patrick's Day Tips

Are you planning to go out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this weekend? So are thousands of other people. Whether you are attending a parade in your town or going out for an Irish meal, it is important to be prepared to fight the crowds.

We’re here to offer some advice on handling the crowds at various events. It’s important to have fun of course, but it is equally important to be safe.

Parades:
St. Patrick’s Day parades get very crowded, especially in large cities. If you plan on attending one, have a strategy. You cannot expect to show up as the parade starts and get a good spot to watch. Often you must also park blocks away from the parade and walk the rest of the way, so be prepared if you have young children. Traffic is often congested so give yourself plenty of time, and drive safe.  

Restaurants:
Restaurants that serve Irish food are likely to be packed with people, especially at mealtime. If you are hoping to avoid the crowds, try going out to eat at a time that is less traditional. You will be more likely to be seated right away. If you go in and it is busy, give your name and stand out of the way of the doors while you wait for your table.

Pubs:
Like any other night, pubs can get fairly rowdy, especially on a holiday. Exercise the same caution you would when going out. Keep an eye on your belonging and be responsible.


As St. Patrick’s Day is a weekday this year, it is likely the majority of parties and events will be held over the weekend. That does not mean nothing will be happening the day of, though! Check with your town or city to see when events are being held so you don’t miss the party.


Most of all, have a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day and don’t let the crowds get you down!  

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Mardi Gras Celebration Safety

Mardi gras will be here in under a week. While many celebrations will be happening all across the USA, no one can deny that the biggest celebration of the holiday can be found in New Orleans. Every year, an estimated 1 million or more people flood into the city for the “biggest free party on earth”. If you are heading to New Orleans for the first time, you need to be prepared to deal with the large crowds.

The best thing you can do is know the rules and read up on safety tips so that you can enjoy the celebration safely. There are crowd control measures in place but with so many people, you have to be vigilant. We’ve compiled some tips regarding crowds for you below.

~ Keep personal effect such as coolers, blankets, ladders, etc at least six feet away from the curve while watching the parades.

~ Do not take up more space than you need. There are many people there to enjoy the festivities. Blocking traffic and other people from claiming a spot is unfair and unsafe.

~ Arrive early. It is generally recommended you arrive to a parade you want to see four hours early or more if you want a good spot. Some people camp out all day for their spot. Do not try to fight into the crowds right before a parade starts.

~ Respect the police. They are experts at crowd control and are overworked during this time of year. Follow their instructions to stay safe and out of trouble.

~ Do not reach down to pick up beads, doubloons, etc. With all the crowds, excitement, and movement, it can be dangerous. You may be knocked over or stepped on. If something is on the ground that you want, put your foot on it until there is a gap in the floats, then pick it up.

~ Exercise caution around floats. Crowds may swell forwards without notice and this can cause accidents. Keep an eye on the parades and the crowds, especially if you have children with you.

~ Never run into the street. Floats cannot easily stop and it is easy to be injured. Stay off to the sides and enjoy the parades from the curves.

~ Do not bring or display valuables while attending the celebrations. Thieves are numerous in crowds.

~ Unless you know the area, stick with the crowds. New Orleans has many pockets of safe and unsafe areas. Attempting to take alternate routes when you don’t know an area just to avoid crowds can be dangerous.


Exercise caution and common sense during this celebration and you will have a great time with a lot of fun memories. Go, be safe, and have fun! 

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Crowds and the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events of the year in America, and because of that it requires a great deal of crowd control. This event attracts an average of 1 million people.

So what is the city doing to keep people safe? The first step is to amp up security. There will be officers all around the stadium and around the Verizon Super Bowl Central, which is a 12 block entertainment area. In addition, private security and crowd management staff have been hired specifically for the event. There will also be experienced security experts on staff. This ensures that there are plenty of trained individuals to handle the large influx of people for the event.

There will be fencing around the stadium, and magnetometers for fans to pass through before they gain entry to the stadium. Bags and cars may also be searched to stop anything from getting past security.

Fans are encouraged to inform security of they see something suspicious happening at the event. By having no only security but fans on alert, the chances of something going wrong diminishes.

The FAA has declared that the Super Bowl is a “No Drone Zone”, in addition to the 10 mile no-fly-zone around the stadium. This is to prevent consumer drones from causing an accident and injuring other spectators during the game.

It is also encouraged that fans take steps to stay safe on their own during the event. Fans should prepare by going online to find parking policies, what can be brought and what can’t, etc. It will speed up the process if everyone is informed the day of. Attendees should stay aware of their surroundings, including the location of exits. Fans must also exercise patience, as the crowds will be large. These common steps can go a long way.
 

The Super Bowl has been occurring for many years and has a good track record. The steps that have been taking in crowd control should keep it that way.