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Halloween is meant for trick-or-treating, costume parties, and fun-filled gatherings. However, it’s also when security concerns such as pedestrian fatalities, unanticipated acts of violence, and mass crowd issues tend to be more prevalent. This blog will provide useful strategies to maintain safety during Halloween celebrations, whether you’re a resident partaking in the events or an organization hosting major activities throughout.

The Rise of Pedestrian Fatalities on Halloween

Pedestrian fatality risk on Halloween is 43% higher compared to other evenings, and tenfold for children trick-or-treating. Limited visibility due to costumes and masks, concentrations of pedestrians in certain areas, and heightened alcohol consumption among adults are just some factors that may contribute to this hazard. Read the full study here.

Instead of avoiding these celebrations altogether, we can take necessary precautions. Street lighting can be fixed or improved, chaperones can be suggested, and designated pedestrian zones can be set up. Encouraging these measures could keep Halloween festivities safe while also promoting year-round safety within the community. 

Preparing Your Neighborhood for a Safe Halloween

Also in your community, hosting events at home or in your neighborhood can pose safety concerns if not adequately managed. Unfortunately, this was the case for guests of a Halloween party hosted at an event center in Oklahoma City, where a shooting resulted in one fatality and 12 injuries. According to police, the incident began with a disturbance that escalated into gunfire both inside and outside the venue with the cause remaining unclear.

If you are a community participant and/or organizer, it’s important to promote safety and awareness among others to prevent these incidents from escalating into tragedy. To do so this season, consider the following measures:

• Distribute newsletters/emails with safety tips, including using the buddy system and checking candy for any tampering or choking hazards.
• Provide materials with emergency protocol information for any events.
• Implement a neighborhood watch or have designated adults keep an eye out for any potential incidents.
• Share safety guidelines with all attendees, including curfew, noise control, or parking regulations.
• Remind everyone to be respectful and inclusive towards all individuals. Keep in mind those who may be vulnerable or feel targeted during this time.

Technology has come a long way as well. There are several mobile apps with alerting systems that may be useful for those trick-or-treating or out on the town. Some common mobile apps used among individuals today are Citizen, giving you access to 911 alerts and location tracking for friends and family. FEMA has a mobile alert system that sends updates of potential disasters in your area, and Nextdoor is an online social community for neighborhoods to connect and come together, whether there’s suspicious activity or just the need for a cup of sugar.

Creating Secure Environments for Large Crowd Events

A large event will also likely attract many people. You’ll want to manage the crowd, or the crowd may become a danger zone. This is what happened in South Korea, where the consequences of negligence became reality. During the 2022 Halloween celebrations in Seoul, a crowd surge resulted in the deaths of 159 individuals and left nearly 200 others injured. Described by the court as a preventative, man-made disaster, careful planning and diligent execution of responsibilities are imperative when putting on an event.

Effective crowd management does hinge on a few key factors. Here, we’ll discuss managing venue capacity, primarily due to the influx of attendees at seasonal gatherings. Because of this influx, you’ll want to consider the flow of movement of your guests. For example, in the event of an emergency, plans should be made to avoid bottlenecks that could hinder smooth evacuations. Here, you can utilize resources like monitoring devices including foot traffic counters to regulate venue capacity, also Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) in preparation of emergency. 

You can also consider systemized arrangements for anticipated larger crowds to manage this flow of traffic. This could involve practices like reserved seating or phased, timed, entry methods. For instance, having Premium pass holders in a specific section of the venue while Deluxe pass holders occupy another, helping distribute the crowd evenly. 

Alternatively, timed arrivals could prevent a massive influx of attendees at one time. Having clear signage and a designated team to assist with directing guests can help ease the flow of movement, and multiple stations or booths set up throughout the venue can prevent long lines and overcrowding. Read more about Crowd Control Strategies here.

In addition to managing the physical logistics of an event, it’s equally important to consider the comfort and safety of your guests. This could involve providing adequate seating and rest areas for those who may need breaks from standing or dancing. It also means making sure that there are enough restrooms and accommodations available for the expected size of your crowd.

Physical Security Throughout The Holiday Season

This season is a time of bonding in our communities. As we celebrate, we must prioritize safety and awareness for a secure and enjoyable experience. So, good tidings with your celebrations! If you’re ready to trust your security solutions to the experts, all services are offered to meet your specific needs and provide you with peace of mind.

Contact us today and let’s talk about providing your venue and guests with the safety well deserved.