Evacuating during an emergency can be stressful regardless of the size of the venue. However, evacuating a large venue with a large crowd can be especially challenging and hazardous.

Here are some steps to follow if there is overcrowding during an evacuation:

For individuals:

🟠 As you enter any venue, locate the nearest exits so you are prepared should an evacuation be required

🟠 Stay calm and assess the situation to avoid increasing the risk of injury

🟠 Listen for announcements and follow directions from event staff, including Wardens

🟠 Always follow the emergency exit signs and use designated evacuation routes. Move at a steady, controlled pace, avoiding pushing and shoving

🟠 Identify alternative, less crowded exits, including side or rear exits, if they are clear and accessible. Do not walk against the evacuating crowd to avoid potential injury

🟠 If there is chaos or panic in the evacuating crowd, stay put if it is safe to do so until it is safe to leave

🟠 Assist others only if it is safe to do so

🟠 Do not use elevators, and avoid escalators and travelators if there is a high volume of people already using them

🟠 Once you have evacuated, do not re-enter the venue

🟠 Account for your group and report any missing individuals to the nearest Warden

For venue operators:

🟠 Develop an emergency response plan, including an evacuation plan that highlights emergency exits, evacuation routes, assembly points, and roles and responsibilities

🟠 Implement regular evacuation training and drills to ensure all persons know the procedures, their roles, exit locations and assembly areas

🟠 Ensure evacuation diagrams are placed along the paths of egress, identifying the assembly area(s) to evacuate to

🟠 The Chief Warden is to implement the emergency response plan, including delegating roles and responsibilities, communicating clearly to Wardens, reporting back to emergency services, and accounting for all personnel

🟠 Implement a post-incident review to highlight what worked well and areas for improvement