By Doug Zanes
Fan violence has existed since the beginning of sports. Put thousands of fans in a confined space and give them alcohol, throw in game-day excitement, testosterone, and violence is going to happen. From a mob fight at the September 21, 2014, 49ers-Cardinals game to the Dodgers fan who was stabbed to death in 2014 after attending a game at San Francisco, violence at sporting events is real.
There are also additional dangers that we seldom think about. An event like the NCAA basketball tournament can be an attractive target for anyone wanting to make a statement or simply harm a large number of people. Evacuating from a large event when there has been an incident can be a nightmare, and you can easily find yourself in the middle of the chaos without a quick way to get out.
Here are four safety tips for having fun and staying safe:
- Research the event. You want to know how many people will be at the event and be familiar with the arena or stadium. Know where all of the exits are at the venue and know this prior to the event.
- When you arrive that the event, look around. Pay attention to the location of medical tents or first aid stations and develop your plan on where you will go if an emergency happens.
- During the event stay aware of your surroundings at all times. If you feel like something may be wrong, you need to listen to your instincts and act fast. Also, keep an eye on the crowd. If you notice something that doesn’t seem right, it’s probably a good time to make your exit.
- Make sure that your entire group knows the evacuation plan and where you will all meet if you become separated. Also have a contact outside the event that everyone can call to coordinate planning.
For more safety tips, visit: http://zaneslaw.com
The author of this article Is Doug Zanes. Doug is a personal injury attorney in Phoenix, AZ.
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