Choosing safety technology for your event space can feel overwhelming. There are many tools that offer attractive features, but many well-intentioned upgrades create new failure points, bottlenecks, or blind spots if they’re not considered as part of a system.
Here are five tips to improve safety and reduce risk when selecting safety technology:
1. Start with the risks, not the products.
Many well-meaning professionals have been won over by the promises of safety technology. Glossy brochures and persuasive sales teams make their products look like the answer to every problem.
But before considering any technology, map your actual risk profile:
Frameworks like National Fire Protection Association guidance and FEMA planning docs emphasize designing systems for specific scenarios. If a technology doesn’t clearly mitigate a defined risk, it’s probably adding complexity without value.
2. Design as a system, not as separate solutions.
Plan your technology infrastructure as part of a total system that works to meet explicit needs.
Consider these components of a complete safety system:
Does the technology used for each component work together? Does each piece work if another part of the system fails?
3. Watch for new risks that new tech creates.
From bottlenecks at security checkpoints to multiple systems that conflict with one another, safety tech can cause new issues. Be particularly aware that systems designed to prevent unauthorized access don’t inadvertently prevent patrons from evacuating quickly in an emergency.
Remember that even the best technology in the world requires people to ensure it’s running effectively. Test systems under many different circumstances to see how they perform under stress. And make sure that humans can always override technology in an emergency.
4. Train people as much as you rely on technology.
Well-trained staff consistently outperform complex systems used poorly. Staff are also essential in many emergency situations, when human judgement and empathy can mitigate harm.
To make sure your team is prepared, cross-train for different roles. Operations staffers should know what to do if they need to fill in for security guards during an emergency.
Practice decision-making under pressure so that team members understand when going beyond standard operating procedures is necessary.
Work with local law enforcement and emergency services during drills. This helps them familiarize themselves with the venue and builds rapport between onsite staff and local partners.
5. Test systems using real-world scenarios.
Most systems seem good on paper, but to make sure everything works together, test your systems in various simulated situations.
For instance, how does your system perform during:
For every system, in every scenario, ask what happens if it fails?
Consider manual workarounds and backup methods, such as walkie talkies if the cell phone system is down, megaphones if the PA system fails, and emergency lighting if the power is out.
The Bottom Line
Technology isn’t a panacea for all safety and security woes, but a thoughtfully designed and well-tested system can help you ensure your events are as safe as can be.