crew safety meeting…for real. being a safety conscious touring industry.

In light of recent events in the world (Brussels attacks), even more specifically in the music industry (Paris attacks), we have never been made more keenly aware of the need for emergency procedures when on tour. These horrific attacks have sparked discussions on how to create a safety conscious industry and what things to implement in case of such incursions. Venues all over the world have plans in place in the event of an emergency but does your touring crew know what those are? Do you know where all the exits are? Do you even know what the emergency number is for the country you are in?

In the mist of all the functional aspects of setting up the show, it is easy to forget about emergency procedures but Your crew should have a plan. Each person/department should know what to do in the event of an emergency and where to go.

Create a plan.

Ask yourself : If anything goes wrong, what is my first response going to be?

The main reason that people react slowly or inappropriately during an emergency is because the situation does not fit within their expectations of what should happen. For example, gunshots are very commonly perceived as fireworks. For most this is an occurrence that they are more prepared to deal with. A little mental preparation can make all the difference in your response. A daily reminder of emergency protocol can help your crew be better prepared to react quickly and safely to emergencies.

The day sheet

Consider including emergency information on the day sheet as a reminder.

→Local emergency numbers

The emergency telephone number can differ from country to country. It is typically a three-digit number and some countries have different emergency numbers for each of the different emergency services (emergency numbers around the world).

→Info on venue exits

Especially backstage and any exits including those the public will not be escorted or directed to.

→Near by hospitals.

→Designated meeting place

Located a safe distance from the venue for the touring party to regroup outside the venue.

→Nearest consulates or embassies

Precautionary

Venues, festivals and major events have begun to put standards in place to create a safer environment for event goers, but does your touring crew have their own set of emergency procedures?

→ Radio and/or text codes to alert your crew of emergencies.

Make it simple and easy i.e code RED = evacuate the building. This is most serious.

→Create point people who can look out for trouble or emergencies during the show.

→Emergency kits should not only be in the venue but also carried along with the tour.

The location should be known and consistent.

Information should be made available on how to use these kits in an emergency.

Those who have had any emergency or medical training should be made known the crew.

Controlled halting.

Designate who will be the person(s) who will stop the show if there is a safety issue.

The venue should already have someone in place for this but the touring crew should also have ones in place, especially since they do the show night after night and are very alert to anything out-of-place.

There should be a number of point people for the touring personnel including someone who is with the trucks, buses, backstage, on stage, front of house etc.

Run. Hide. Defend.

What are the best things to do in the event of an attack? Escape, evacuate, get out of the building as quickly as possible. Bring others with you if you can. If you can’t get out, hide. Find something to take cover behind.  Be aware that if you can see the attackers then they may be able to see you. Continue to look for exits and try to avoid getting trapped. If you find a place to hide put your phone on silent. If you are in a room with a door you can close, lock it and build a barricade with as much stuff as you can find. You can use a belt to wrap it around the hinge of the door to secure it. Next set off any alarms or sprinklers in the building to call as much attention to the emergency as possible. Turn off the lights in the room. Look for a weapon if you need to defend yourself like a fire extinguisher or scissors. You may need to fight for your life.

Travel safety tips.

When traveling there are a few general things you should keep in mind.

→Keep copies of important information

Scan them and send copies to yourself via email and add trusted others to cc.

Keep copies on your smart phone.

I.D.

Passport

Itinerary

Emergency contacts

Possibly use a cloud account, this way you can access this information anywhere.

→Make sure to have a working international plan on your phone.

Carriers such as T-Moblie offer free international roaming plans.

→Add ICE  (“In Case of Emergency”) to your phone for emergency contacts.

This is a way for emergency personnel to notify loved ones if you are rendered unconscious. Apple makes it a bit easier than most. Siri can be used when your phone is password protected.

Just save contact as “ICE” only!

Enter it in the name field and put contact’s name in the company field.

In the notes field of your ICE contact you can add vital medical information as well.

To access, press and hold down the main home key and say “Siri contacts ICE”.

Even better you can also use the Apple Health app by tapping on the Medical ID in the bottom right corner and add the information there.

medical id

It will be accessible on your home screen by swiping right for emergency. It will appear in the bottom left corner.

emergency_call

Tapping that will give access to the emergency # screen which will have Medical ID in the bottom left. Tapping that will give you access to your emergency contact info, no password needed.

→Have some sort of back up emergency tour/management contacts, like for instance the travel agents information. Have this information for times when most of the crew is flying separately but at overlapping times, in case you find yourself in a situation and in need of help.

It is important to be aware of your surroundings when you’re in unfamiliar environments. Keep in mind what to do in emergency situations. It can be the difference between life and death. Look out for each other and be as prepared as possible while your out there touring the world. Safety should be a standard up held by all in the industry.

Help support Our Community by looking fresh

 Every sale of our “Flag” design merch donates $5 to touring based charities in hopes of doing our continued part in supporting the mental and physical health of our music touring community.

Help support Our Community by looking fresh

 every sale of our “Flag” design merch donates $5 to touring based charities in hopes of doing our continued part in supporting the mental and physical health of our music touring community.

contact

Please Reach out with any questins or concerns you may have. 

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