7 Most Common Event Security Challenges
When it comes to ensuring the success of events, event planners and security personnel have a lot on their plates. With various challenges that can arise, it’s important for you to be both aware of the most common issues and be prepared for them.
In this blog post, we discuss 7 of the most common event security challenges and how you can address them.
1. Accidents
Any event carries the possibility of a serious accident. These significant disruptions are frequently unrelated to the event itself. Security personnel should have a reactive plan in place to handle any severe situations, whether it be a protest that disrupts the event peacefully or an act of terrorism.
Having plans in place for nearly anything is typically necessary while getting ready for a huge event. When creating response strategies for your event, your security company should take into account the following two factors.
One is your past events. Consider what you experienced during the events you organised before, and make response strategies for those hypothetical scenarios.
The second one is to evaluate your risks based on your event type. Consider the type of activities that will happen in your event and the risks attached to each. Once you have a good estimate of the risk levels, you can come up with a strategy to mitigate them.
2. Medical Emergencies
It is common for people to fall sick or get hurt in huge crowds. Event planners should have a plan for people who encounter a medical emergency at the event. For instance, basic first aid and a medical professional should be available throughout the event.
Also, it is crucial that security personnel keep an eye out for anyone acting in a way that might endanger their safety or show symptoms of the disease.
The kind of emergency that could occur will also depend on the sort of event and the demography of the participants. Drug overdoses, for instance, are regrettably frequent at music events aimed towards young folks.
3. Staffing Shortages
Having enough security staff on hand is key when it comes time to host a big event. But finding capable security guards can be difficult if there aren't enough people available in your area or who meet your qualifications.
To overcome this challenge, consider outsourcing security services from a third-party contractor. It not only takes a huge burden off you but also is a more efficient way of hiring.
Another advantage is if you need extra security guards at the last minute, your service provider will also be able to handle that.
4. Weather Conditions
Depending on where you are hosting an event and when it's taking place, inclement weather may become an issue which could affect attendance or disrupt preparations altogether.
While there isn't much you can do about Mother Nature herself, having backup plans in places such as alternate indoor spaces or tents can help minimise disruption in case bad weather strikes unexpectedly during your event planning process.
5. Security Protocols
Ensuring that the proper security protocols are implemented at events is crucial for protecting attendees and minimising risk factors associated with large gatherings.
In addition to hiring experienced security guards in Geelong, it's important to stay up-to-date on local ordinances and regulations, so no violations occur.
If possible, hire a qualified third-party organisation that specialises in planning secure events. It will help ensure that all safety protocols are followed properly.
6. Crowd Control
Managing crowds at outdoor festivals or large gatherings require careful coordination between organisers, staff members, and security personnel.
To ensure crowd control goes smoothly, consider implementing strategies such as forming designated entry and/or exit points, having volunteers monitor specific areas, providing ample signage for attendees, or utilising crowd control barriers when necessary.
Crowd control is particularly needed in events that serve alcohol because even the most compliant groups may become disorderly mobs in the presence of alcohol. Overindulgence is always a possibility there! So the crowd control skills of your security personnel are especially valuable at such times.
7. Technology Glitches
As technology becomes increasingly intertwined with events, glitches may arise due to technical difficulties or equipment malfunctions. To avoid these issues from arising during live events, always make sure all tech equipment is tested beforehand and double-check signal strength levels before everyone arrives.
Additionally, having tech support readily available during the entire event will help minimise any potential issues quickly should they occur unexpectedly during your gathering.
If it is a large-scale event, have security personnel monitor the live footage from the surveillance cameras during the entire event. Even if some commotion goes unnoticed, the security team can quickly catch it through the monitors and bring it under control.
Conclusion
Event planning and security require strategy and foresight if organisers want their events to run smoothly without any hiccups along the way.
From monitoring the surveillance cameras to staying up-to-date on local laws regarding crowd control protocols—there are many challenges organisers must contend with when preparing for a gathering or festival.
By being aware of these common challenges ahead of time, event planners and security personnel will be better prepared when the time comes!
As you can tell, you need a reliable security partner to supervise such complex details of an event. Further, you both should also be on the same page regarding each detail. Communication is key!
Check out Aligned Security Force for the best security guard services in Geelong.