Many times find ourselves in a crowd like big concerts, sport event, festivals, etc.
During issues of a crowd rush or stampede, we believe we can outrun being trampled on and injured by a group of frightened people. But honestly, it’s not all cases of stampede/crowd rush.
What is a stampede?
A stampede is also known as a crowd rush, it is a situation whereby a group of people or animals engage in a panic rush, running towards a particular direction at the same time, as a result of fear and excitement
How stampede occurs
There are different ways a crowd rush or stampede occurs:
- When the capacity of the space provided can no longer contain the crowd present.
- Another way a stampede occurs is when there is no crowd management. Crowd management as the term implies is being able to manage crowds.
How crowd management is enforced
During a football match in a stadium
- Creating a parking strategy, to avoid traffic jams.
- Creating multiple ways to enter the stadium, the entry and exit. Etc
During an election
- A large space will be provided for the large crowd and people will be divided into batches or lines.
- Have clear and multiple entry and exit doors.
- Have enough trained staff to handle the crowd.
Stampede also occurs when crowds start running towards the same direction at the same time as a result of a dangerous incident or excitement.
How to protect yourself during an election.
- Stay calm, and don’t be the first to run
- Abstain from barricade
- Try to stay on the side with fewer people once you’re in a crowd
- When you’re in a moving crowd, keep your feet moving at all times.
- If you’re stuck in a moving crowd, keep your feet moving at all times.
- If you fall into a moving crowd, stand up immediately and ask for help.
- Wear bright colour cloth so you can be spotted in case of emergency.
- Try to create breathing space around your face, less oxygen makes you dizzy and weak.
- Keep your feet firmly on the ground and fold your arms to maintain balance.
