Safeguarding Street Fairs and Festivals

Spring is the start of the street fair and festival season. In light
of recent tragic incidents, keeping patrons safe has become a critical
component of festival planning.

Security Assessment. Enlist the help of law
enforcement to review your event layout. Walk the property with local
police to identify and address any security weak points and to go over
security procedures.

Give Security Guards The Information They Need. Security
guards play a vital role in fair and festival safety. Their presence is
a deterrent and they are often the first ones festivalgoers turn to
when there is trouble. Give each guard a map of the festival layout
including exits, management offices, lost and found booths and medical
services. In turn, the security guard company should designate a point
person who is responsible for all guards on duty and who reports to
festival management.

Set Up Entry Check Points. Every fairgoer should be
required to go through some kind of security checkpoint. At the very
least, make sure all entrances and exits are manned by security guards.
Consider fencing the event if possible.

Add Barriers. Concrete barriers or sand-filled
plastic barricades should be placed on streets immediately adjacent to
the festival to prevent cars from entering.

Go Over Every Scenario. Lost children, medical
emergencies, unruly patrons, injury-causing equipment malfunctions, a
planned attack—have a written action plan for every scenario. Go over
the action plan with security and event management so everyone knows
their role.

For more security tips, go to Access Control Security.