Public events such as concerts, festivals, screenings, and sporting events are an integral part of British culture. They bring people together to celebrate and enjoy various forms of entertainment.
However, the communal, festive nature of such events also makes them vulnerable to security risks. Large crowds, loud music, and high emotions can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. It is, therefore, essential to have adequate security measures in place to mitigate these risks.
The use of security guards is one of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of people and property at public events. Security guards are trained to identify and respond to potential security threats, and they can take appropriate measures to prevent these threats from becoming a reality.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why you should use security guards at your public event in the UK.
The Risks of Low Security on People and Property
When public events do not have adequate security measures in place, they can pose significant risks to the safety and well-being of attendees, staff, and property.
The risks associated with low security are numerous and can be divided into three broad categories:
Crowd Control
One of the most significant risks associated with low security at large-scale events is crowd control. Large crowds can be challenging to manage, and without proper measures in place, chaos can ensue.
When crowds get out of control, accidents and injuries can occur. People can get trampled or crushed, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities in the worst cases. Moreover, when there are too many people in one place, it can be challenging to evacuate them in case of emergency situations, such as a fire or a terrorist attack.
Hiring a security presence can mitigate these risks by managing the crowds effectively. They can control the flow of people, ensure that they move in an orderly fashion, and prevent them from blocking emergency exits or entrances.
Security teams can also direct people to safety in case of an emergency and coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure that everyone is safe.
Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency, security guards are the first line of defense. They are trained to respond quickly to any incidents that occur, providing first aid and calling for backup if needed. They can also help evacuate the area in case of an emergency and ensure that people are safe.
In addition, security officers can collaborate with local law enforcement and emergency services to coordinate a response. They can provide valuable information about the situation and help the authorities assess the risk and determine the appropriate response.
All this means that hiring a security service can give both you and the event guests better peace of mind that any unforeseen situation will be handled competently
Protection of Assets
Large events often involve valuable assets such as equipment, merchandise, and cash.
Without proper security measures in place, these assets can be vulnerable to theft or damage. Security guards can protect these assets by monitoring them closely and preventing theft, damage, or vandalism. By doing so, they ensure that the event runs smoothly and that all parties involved are protected.
They can also monitor anything of value brought by attendees, such as cars, tents, and mobility devices. This can help everyone to feel more secure and stop criminals from affecting the reputation of the event.
Additionally, if a high-profile guest or celebrity is due to attend your event, security teams may be able to protect their belongings and ensure they reach the areas they need to without fear of harassment.
The Legal Risks of Not Having Security Guards at Your Public Event
Organisers of public events have a legal duty of care to ensure that their attendees are safe. If a criminal or health and safety incident occurs at an event due to inadequate security, the organisers could be held liable for any injuries or damage that occur.
By having security guards present, organisers can demonstrate that they have taken reasonable steps to ensure the safety of attendees, reducing their legal liability.
In addition, the presence of security guards can act as a deterrent to potential troublemakers. Knowing that there are trained professionals on-site to prevent and respond to security incidents can discourage people from engaging in disruptive or criminal behaviour.
How Many Security Guards Do I Need for An Event?
The number of security guards required for an event depends on several factors, including the size of the event, the number of attendees, the location, and the level of risk.
In general, the larger the event, the more security guards will be required. It’s also important to ensure that the security guards are properly trained and qualified to deal with the specific risks associated with the event. For example, a music festival that attracts thousands of people will require more security guards than a small community fair.
The specific needs of the event should be assessed when determining how many security guards are needed. This assessment should take into account factors such as the layout of the event space, the expected number of attendees, the type of event, whether recreational drinking is expected, and any potential security threats. A professional security company can help organisers assess their security needs and provide guidance on the appropriate number of security guards.
Crowd Management Plans
In addition to having security guards on-site, organisers should also have a comprehensive crowd management plan in place. This plan should detail how the event will be managed, how crowds will be controlled, and what measures will be taken in case of an emergency. The crowd management plan should also include clear communication channels between security personnel, event staff, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Effective communication is key to ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that everyone is safe. It’s essential to have clear and concise communication channels in place, such as two-way radios or walkie-talkies. This ensures that security personnel can communicate with each other and with other stakeholders in real-time, allowing them to respond quickly to any incidents that occur.
Hire a Trusted UK Security Solution with Able
Able Security Guards receive expert training for a variety of situations and are available for security services across the UK. Find out more or get in contact to find out how we can help.
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