Security has always been a major concern at all kinds of special events. No matter how well you have prepared, even the slightest negligence can cause a substantial loss. Managing a special event is not gameplay, it has to be managed with great precision and carefulness as the lives and security of many people depend on it. it is quite a challenging job and must be handled by professionals. Today, we will thoroughly guide you on managing the security of a major event.
- Pre-plan the event:
Pre-planning the event is crucial. You must start planning the security of a major event months before it has to take place. Pre-planning includes gathering all the information related to the event. During pre-planning the event you have to analyze all the security concerns, keeping in mind that each event demands its different security protocol. You can not expect the security protocols of a daytime event to apply to an event that is happening at night. That is why you must preplan the security of every major event you organize.
- Point out the vulnerabilities:
The first step in preplanning an event’s security is to detect the potential vulnerabilities. You have to narrow down all the security risks that could occur at the event. It can be done by surveilling the area and looking out for suspicious activities.
- Source of information:
After pointing out the vulnerabilities, check the credibility of the source of that news. You have to make sure that you have authentic information about the security threats and no one is using that information to distract from a real threat.
- Prepare for rectification of vulnerabilities:
After confirming that the risks and vulnerabilities you have found are real, you have to make sure that you have the proper means to eradicate these risks. For example, secure the threatened parameters, put on CCTV cameras, hire the patrolling officers,
Preplanning the security of an event gives you a head start and some time to reduce the vulnerabilities and potential threats. After the identification of risks, you can prioritize them in your next phase that is planning.
- The actual planning:
After identifying and prioritizing the potential threats and vulnerabilities to your special event, it is time to plan out the whole security protocol. You have to plan on mitigating the biggest threats you face by making use of the security technology, by planning about the training of your staff, by purchasing metal detectors, etc. this is the most important phase in managing the security of an event.
- Every detail is important:
One of the gravest mistakes an event planner and security manager can make is take even the smallest detail for granted. We have seen many instances that overlooking a small detail can lead to horrifying consequences. The smallest details like marking the exit and entry signs, fireproofing the electric source, ticketing the entrees can make all the difference in your security management.
- Use of security technology:
Fortunately we are living in an age of technology. security management has been made so much easier than it was in the past by the use of technological security devices. There are so many devices that not only reduce the manpower but are also more efficient in reducing security risks.
For example, surveillance cameras are way more effective than they were 20 years ago. Their portability and remote control have made them easier to use. Most cameras are also equipped with facial recognition technology which can detect criminals easily.
Gunshot detection equipment can identify the calamitous event and reduce the response time. The ticketing devices can also increase the efficiency of the entrance. They have better control over who enters or leaves the event and cannot be tricked by criminals.
- Social sentinels:
Even though the advancing technology has helped us to reduce security risks, it has made the security plans public with the help of social media. Social media is vast. Almost everyone uses social media and security planning can be intentionally or unintentionally jeopardized. About 1 billion posts are made daily on social media, it seems impossible to detect the one that can be a threat to your event.
But the social sentinels technology can help you identify the posts that contain threats shared publicly to social before or during the event. By having this information, you can contact your safety providers that can work on eliminating those particular threats.
- Staffing for the event:
The most important thing to plan for the security of an event is hiring the security staff. You need different kinds of job fulfilled that’s why you have to recruit a team of security professionals. You will need patrolling officers, CCTV monitoring officers, standing guards, fire watch guards, etc. you can also request local police and firemen to help you with this job.
- Execution of plans:
It is the final day on which the event has to take place. You had already identified the vulnerabilities of the event in the preplanning phase, you planned to overcome the vulnerabilities and remove the threats in the planning phase. Now, it is the execution phase. You have all the information as well as the strategies, you have communicated the security protocol for all the attendees. You are in the commander’s post and well prepared. You can tackle any kind of security situation with confidence.
Conclusion:
We have discussed the importance of security planning of a special event. It is a very challenging task. One should never take it lightly. To keep the people and property safe at an event, you should start looking into security protocols months before the event has to take place. Don’t overlook even the slightest of the detail. That’s how you will be able to plan and manage the security of a major event successfully.