PERSONAL PROTECTION IN A CROWD/STAMPEDE

It is no longer news that close to 100 people died over the weekend of December 19-22, 2024, due to Stampede caused by an uncontrolled crowd.
Even if this is not new to us in this nation as people have been dying needless for the same reason, it does not look like stopping soon as we have not learnt our Lesson. Every time it happens, we blame the current Government, our leaders and the organiser’s of the event, while the victims (if alive) and their families (either the victim dies or lives) suffer the consequences….
Does it not make sense to take responsibility of our personal safety and recognize that a bag of rice is not worth our lives or that we might make Heaven even if we die in a stampede that happened in a church or mosque.

in The Light of taking responsibility for one selves and actions. Here are 10 tips for staying safe in a crowd.

PLAN AHEAD: Know where you’re going and identify exits and events officials. If you’re with a group, choose a meeting place in case you get separated or miss each other. make sure your phones are fully charged.
DRESS APPROPRATIELY: Wear closed-toe shoes with tied laces, and avoid loose clothing or accessories that can’t easily be pulled off or that won’t let you slip in a crowd and will allow you run when and if necessary
ARRIVE EARLY: As strange as this may sound to some of us Nigerians, Arriving early at an event could actually save your life. it gives you the opportunity to choose the best (Safest) sit in a place i.e. church, mosque, cinema, shows, concert, stadium etc. …Pick the sit nearest to the exits or on aisle or spot in a crowd ..Stay at the edge of the crowd.
STAY ALERT: Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Monitor the crowds moods and behaviour, Try to note those around you at intervals.
AVOID DENSE AREAS: If possible, edge to the side of the crowd or a less dense area. try and stay at least crowded area, you may not enjoy the show as you wish but you might get home in one piece
LEAVE EARLY OR LEAVE LATE: As the event winds up, Leave early before the RUSH or wait back and allow others leave to avoid the RUSH at exit
WHAT TO DO IF A STAMPEDE OCCURS : In an event that a stampede occurs, try to move diagonally to the edge of the group while moving with the crowd not against it.
DON’T PUSH OR SCREAM: Pushing or screaming can escalate the situation and blind panic spreads quickly in a crowd, stay as calm as possible while concentrating on moving to a safer spot
STAY ON YOUR FEET: Falling in a crowd is very dangerous, if you fall, try to stand up as soon as possible and if you can’t stand, get into defensive position by curling into a ball (like a porcupine) with your arms around your head to protect yourself from trampling
HEAD COUNT: on getting to a safer spot, go to emergency designated spot as agreed by those you went to and do a head count, making sure everybody is accounted for.