Safety and Security Considerations to Make When Organizing Folk Music Festivals
Folk music festivals provide fans with an opportunity to cut loose. In the process, some forget to take responsibility for their actions. This is especially true where food and alcohol are involved.
As an organizer, you shoulder the most responsibility for the safety of all those in attendance. So, it would be best if you looked into various security and safety issues associated with such events. Once you look into such details, you can come with a plan with contingencies for any scenario.
Here are some of the primary safety and security considerations you should take into account when planning folk music festivals.
Crowd Management Strategy
Folk fares can pull in massive crowds. Managing such multitudes presents a challenge mainly when folk music artists perform on different stages. It would be wise if you thought of how the masses will move to various stages and where they’ll sit or stand. It would be best if you considered how the performers would set up and access the stage. Such strategies are vital because of national and local municipal regulations on public safety. The authorities are stringent on safety because of the associated hazards. Potential hazards include temporary structures, electric wiring and pyrotechnic displays. Therefore, you need to plan for every situation as soon as possible.
Sanitary Facilities
It doesn’t matter if your event will take place in the woods or a concert hall. Sanitation facilities are necessary for the safety of all in attendance. Such facilities need to be easily accessible, clean, and plentiful. Make immediate contingencies, if you realize they are inadequate.
First Aid Stations
We live in a world where accidents happen. There’s little you can do to prevent accidents, but you can come up with a plan to address them. Most local municipalities and hospitals can provide you with trained paramedics and standby ambulances for easy evacuations. However, you need to designate specific first aid stations and ensure they are marked. Another consideration you should make is an area where inebriated fans can go to cool off. It may also prove to be helpful if you hired an off duty doctor to be on station during the festival.
Transportation and Parking Options
Think of how fans will reach the festival. One way to address this is by providing buses to ferry them from downtown areas, college campuses and other central points to your event. You can include such expenses in your ticket cover charge. Parking spaces are another vital consideration. They need to accommodate as many vehicles as possible. Such areas also need to be well lit and have security personnel.
Lighting and Electric Wiring
Your electric wiring needs to be attended to by professionals with related experience. Such personnel also need to be available throughout the event. This contingency will help you meet the necessary compliance standards and guarantee public safety.