The glamour of outdoor events is usually to mesmerise guests and appeal to their sight. This is why event planners now try hard to outdo themselves in artistic displays of decorative backdrops, food, fabrics, ceiling, table decorations, seating arrangements, stage design, lighting and musical decor at public gatherings to win the appreciation of their hosts and guests.
But the safety of such equipment is sometimes not considered by the planners. A trending video last weekend showed a beautifully decorated reception venue burst into flames. While the cause of the fire is still unknown, the ceiling decorations were engulfed in fire. Guests panicked, while some attempted to quell the fire with what seemed like a cup of water and bottled water. A voice, presumably that of the master of ceremonies, could be heard saying, “Everybody please move outside, use the nearest exit close to you. Do not push anybody, take it easy,” as the guests scampered to safety. Another video on social media was that of a birthday girl, whose sleeve caught fire from the candle in her birthday cake.
Several skirmishes have been reported during mass and public gatherings. A journal on ‘Disasters at Mass Gatherings: A Lesson from History’ concluded that events with a mixture of a large crowd, restricted points of access, poor fire safety, minimum crowd control and lack of on-site medical care can lead to a disaster. The World Health Organisation further notes that hosts of mass gatherings must considerably prepare and be capable of responding to emergencies.
Falls, electrocution, injuries, fire incidents and the spread of infectious diseases are disasters that can happen at mass gatherings.
Here are seven safety tips to put in place when planning a public gathering.
Labelled exit and entry doors
Emergencies can happen at any time. The ability to take quick action during such depends on the availability of the safety plans and devices in place.
A safety consultant, Mr Festus Okoloda, states that every room must have entry and exit doors.
He emphasises, “In case of emergencies, exit doors should be well labelled. Emergency numbers should also be displayed in the halls.”
Fire extinguishers
Having the appropriate fire extinguisher, be it in your car, house, office, shop or worship centre, can help to save lives and property from the damaging effects of fire incidents.
Okoloda adds, “Event halls should have working fire extinguishers. There is another safety device it is called a water wheel or water pump. It is also used to put out the fire. This has a pipe and it is longer which helps to put out the fire from a distance.”
During a fire incident, after ensuring that the occupants have been moved to safety, all doors and windows should be properly locked. This is to prevent the air coming in from the entrances to continue feeding the fire, thus making it difficult to quench.
It is also important to ensure the fire extinguishers are not expired and the valves are in a proper position.
Handle flammable objects with extra care
The use of candles and fireworks in enclosed gatherings should be handled with extra care. This is because they are flammable when placed, dropped or carried carelessly.
Also, lighted candles on cakes should be carried with caution. They should not be too close to the next person, clothes or flammable items.
It is advisable to place candles on metal objects and light fireworks in an outdoor setting.
“If candles are used in the hall, they should not be placed on the floor or on materials that can get burnt easily. Fireworks should be handled by professionals to prevent fire incidents,” Okoloda adds.
Also, remove flammable items from the event venue. For example, petrol and kerosene cans should be kept away from the venue.
Smoke detector/muster point
The National Fire Protection Association states that smoke alarms, when properly installed, play an important role in reducing deaths and injuries from fire, consequently saving lives and property.
It is important to have smoke detectors in halls and venues of public gatherings. This will help sound an alarm at the onset of a smoke.
Muster points should be at a safe distance from the hall or event gathering and they should be clearly labelled.
Proper arrangements
The seating arrangements in public gatherings should encourage free movement for guests. This will prevent unnecessary falls and ensure safe coordination and movement during an emergency.
This can be possible through proper labelling of signs and directions as well as mechanisms to facilitate compliance.
First aid kits, lifeguards
The American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends emergency kits to anyone, from daily commuters to oversea travellers, wherever they go.
Event hosts are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the availability of medical ambulance and first-aid assistance.
Lifeguards are equipped with life-saving skills and should be present at events to effectively handle casualties.
“People should be aware of the safety precautions needed to take in every situation,” the safety consultant states.
Security officers
One can’t go wrong with ensuring the security of the people who will be attending an event. Recently, public gatherings have become targets for various security threats by unknown persons as well as skirmishes between guests and their hosts.
The Owo church attack is a sad case that comes to mind. This promoted the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, to order the compulsory installation of Close Circuit Television devices in all public and private institutions.
Physical security, according to experts, ensures security measures to prevent unauthorised access to unwanted persons and protect lives and property in a particular area.
Hiring a professional security detail or inviting security personnel like members of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others, is an advisable way to go.
