Safety Tips

Spring Break is usually a time for fun, but because of recent disasters in nightclubs in Rhode Island and Chicago, I am urging students and other members of the UCI community to take to take a few minutes and think about the importance of personal safety. Please take a moment to read the suggestions below, as they could save your life.

| back to top |

As you travel

• Make sure you are either in possession of or track your baggage and personal belongings at all times.
• Make sure someone at home has a copy of your travel itinerary.

| back to top |

Before you go out

• If you're attending a ticketed event, like a concert or game, make sure someone at home has basic details such as where you are seated, who you are with and what time you plan to return. If any incident does occur, they'll know how to locate you to be sure you're ok.
• Don't plan on going to a crowded event alone. You should always have at least one other person looking out for you. A helping hand in a crush can mean the difference between life and death if you've fallen or become injured.
• Staying in the middle of an active crowd, or at the stage, can get very hot and uncomfortable. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to stay hydrated. This can prevent overheating and passing out if things get really unbearable.

| back to top |

Dress for fun and safety

• Wearing something bright makes you recognizable so friends can locate you easier. Always have your ID, any special medical information, and a cell phone.
• Leave behind dangerous accessories like spikes and chains, as well as long jewelry and purses that can become entangled and cause injuries.
• Wear comfortable footwear and make sure the laces are tied so you won't trip and fall. If you lose your shoes or other belongings in an emergency, don't stop to get them. Getting knocked down or trying to move against a crowd is the last thing you want to happen.

| back to top |

The Setting

• When you get to the venue, keep track of where the exits are located. In an emergency, the closest exit might not always be the best one to use. Be aware of your surroundings such as the location of first aid stations, the presence of staff, crowd behavior, and what the weather conditions are like. Know what you’re standing on. Wet, muddy and uneven surfaces can be slippery or dangerous in a moving crowd. Broken bottles, cans, and other trash can also be very hazardous.
• The momentum of a moving crowd can change quickly. Be careful when walking down stairs, while riding escalators, and while you are on a hilly terrain. These crowd momentum changes can cause you to trip, fall and be injured.
• Don't stand near or climb on temporary structures as they could collapse and fall.
• If you can help it, don't be the first in line waiting for the doors to open. This spot can be dangerous if there's a delay and an anxious crowd starts to push forward.

| back to top |

Huge moving crowds

• A surge generates an incredible amount of energy. Some people have compared it to a locomotive or ship. Once it gets going, it's almost impossible to stop. If you find yourself in the middle of a moving crowd, don't stand still or sit down because you can easily get injured. Keep your legs moving in the direction of the crowd and try getting to the outside where the flow is weaker.
• The last thing you want to do is fall to the ground. However, if you should fall to the ground, get up as quickly as possible. If you can't, get someone to pull you back up. This is when having a friend nearby can be a lifesaver.
• If you can't get up, keep moving by crawling in the direction of the crowd. If that's not possible, your last resort is to ball up and cover your head/
• The worst place in a surge is at the very front of the crowd against an immovable object like a fence or stage barricade. It may be tempting to make your way up close to where the action is on stage, but it's smart to stay away from these areas. Crowd pressure here can build up quickly and be deadly. People in back will have no idea what's happening up front.

| back to top |

At Sporting Events

• Some of the worst crowd disasters happen at sporting events where overselling, poor event management, frenzied fans, and festival seating all create serious problems.
• Experts advise that if you go to a game, watch from a seat and not the aisles or walkways where foot traffic flows. You should also stay away from fences, boards, or barricades where there's no escape route if fans behind you try to rush the field or court.
• Be aware of what's going on around you such as, crowd behavior, hat the score is, and how much time is remaining. It might be smart to leave a few minutes early to avoid the reaction of frenzied fans.

Have a SAFE and FUN Spring Break!

| back to top |