Large crowds at events can be overwhelming and dangerous. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Before Entering the Crowd

Plan Your Positioning

• Know the exits: Identify at least 2 escape routes when you arrive
• Avoid crush zones: Stay away from barriers, narrow passages, and dead ends
• Pick your spot wisely: Sides of venues are safer than center masses
• Height advantage: If possible, stay on elevated areas with better visibility

Group Coordination

• Designate a leader: One person makes crowd navigation decisions
• Link arms: Physical connection prevents separation in dense crowds
• Share locations: Send live WhatsApp location to someone outside the event
• Emergency contact: Agree on meeting points if separated

In the Crowd

Movement Strategy

• Go with the flow: Never push against crowd movement
• Diagonal movement: Move diagonally to gradually change position
• Avoid sudden stops: Keep moving or step completely aside
• Watch crowd density: If you can’t lift your arms, it’s too crowded

Danger Signs to Watch

• Crowd surge: People pushing from behind in waves
• Panic behavior: Screaming, rushing, people falling
• Bottlenecks: Crowds backing up at narrow exits
• Aggressive behavior: Fights, rowdy groups nearby

Nairobi Event-Specific Risks

Common Dangerous Situations

• Stampedes at free events: Like political rallies or free concerts
• Stadium events: Limited exits create crush risks
• Street festivals: Traffic mixing with pedestrians
• Club events: Overcrowding in small spaces

High-Risk Venues

• Carnivore: Outdoor events with poor crowd control
• Some CBD venues: Old buildings with narrow exits
• Stadium events: Large capacity, limited emergency planning
• Street events: Uncontrolled access, mixed with traffic

Emergency Response

If Crowd Gets Dangerous

• Stay calm: Panic makes situations worse
• Protect your torso: Keep arms in front of your chest
• Stay upright: If you fall, curl into ball and protect your head
• Move to edges: Work gradually toward less dense areas

Help Others

• Help people up: If someone falls near you
• Share information: Tell others about safer routes
• Stay together: Don’t abandon your group unless absolutely necessary
• Report problems: Alert security about dangerous situations

Getting Out Safely

• Leave early: Before main acts end to avoid exit rushes
• Follow staff directions: Security usually knows safest routes
• Alternative exits: Ask staff about back exits
• Wait it out: Sometimes staying put is safer than joining exit crowds

Red Flag: If you can’t move your arms freely or feel crushed, immediately work toward the edge of the crowd.