Planning Security for Your Outdoor Event

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Any time you have a big group of people gathered in the same place, it presents a security risk. Sadly, we've seen this played out across many recent headlines, with terrorist attacks and active shooters preying upon school assemblies, church services, concerts, and other public events. The need for outdoor event security is real, but not always easy. Making things even more difficult is when the event's held outdoors. The security requirements are just as stringent, yet the area itself can be much harder to secure. In fact, holding an event outdoors can sometimes contradict standard security measures, including typical crowd control maneuvers. That's not to say that it's impossible to provide adequate security for your outdoor event-just that it takes some creative thinking and some careful planning. In this post, we'll offer outdoor event security some general reflections from MPS Security, a leading provider of outdoor event security services in California.

Assessments and Pre-Planning

The first step in any security process is to assess the event area, to identify vulnerabilities, to locate the areas that will be toughest to secure, and to inventory all possible entrances and exits. When the event is held outdoors, that can make this step especially difficult. In particular, make sure to take note of expected trouble zones and other areas of concern throughout the venue. This may include possible chokepoints for pedestrian and vehicle traffic, blind spots for cameras and similar monitoring equipment, areas where prospective troublemakers might hide, and the like. But don't stop there. In addition to identifying potential danger areas, also recognize likely areas that could be used as gathering places or evacuation sites, should the worst-case-scenario unfold.

Coordinating and Communicating

Another important consideration? Keep an open line of communication between the operations center and the field security team, which can ensure a fast emergency response, even in a large and diffuse outdoor area. One specific step we'd recommend is to determine a communication scheme that keeps the vital lines open for true emergencies-for example, you may have one channel that's designated for minor chatter, and one channel that's left open for major crises or issues of real urgency. Finally, designate some security centers throughout the area-and make sure you choose optimal locations. You might choose an offsite location to reduce the chances of it being caught up in the middle of the mess, or it can be onsite for quicker response and coordination.

Ensure Logistical Support

For any security plan to be effective, you've got to think logistically-and that means keeping both operational and administrative logistics in mind. Operational logistics deals with supplying the team with essential items that will help them perform their security tasks, while administrative logistics covers the acquisition, maintenance, and costs. Of course, different outdoor events will have different logistical needs and hurdles, so it's important to work with a security team that will provide you with customized solutions, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all strategy for event security. MPS is the best choice for outdoor event security. And that's what MPS Security offers. As a leading provider of outdoor event security services in California, we bring flexibility and precision to each job-ensuring that we account for all possible dangers and scenarios that could threaten your event. To schedule a consultation with one of our security professionals, contact MPS Security today.

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