Keeping Crowds Safe: An Event Coordinator’s Challenge

As an Event Coordinator, Sarah Mitchell knows that managing large crowds comes with serious safety challenges. With over 10 years of experience planning festivals, concerts, and community events, she’s witnessed how a lack of proper crowd control can lead to confusion, congestion, and even dangerous situations. Last summer, Sarah’s team organized a downtown street festival with thousands of attendees. Despite using standard barricades, gaps in the setup allowed attendees to bypass restricted areas, leading to overcrowding near the stage and emergency exits. Security struggled to maintain order, and a minor stampede nearly erupted when attendees surged forward during a performance. Determined to prevent future incidents, Sarah researched industry-leading crowd management solutions. That’s when she discovered the Flex-Safe Folding Barricade, a barrier system engineered for maximum visibility, rapid deployment, and superior crowd control. After implementing it at her next event, the results were immediate:

Clear, controlled entry and exit points

Safe separation of VIP, vendor, and general access areas

Fast setup and removal, reducing labor and costs.

Today, Sarah is known for her expertise in event safety, advising fellow coordinators on best practices for crowd control. She understands that safety isn’t just about logistics—it’s about responsibility. With the Flex-Safe Barricade, she has the confidence that every event she plans is not only enjoyable but also secure and well-managed. How safe is your next event?

Discover the Flex-Safe advantage today.

Benefits and Efficiencies

Cost & Efficiency Benefits of the Flex-Safe Safety Barriers for Event Managers

  1. Lower Labor & Setup Costs

Quick & Easy Setup – Flex-Safe barriers are designed for fast, efficient deployment, cutting down on setup time and labor costs.

No Heavy Equipment Needed – Unlike traditional barriers, Flex-Safe is lightweight, requiring fewer workers and no machinery for installation.

Reusable & Modular – After the event, barriers can be easily packed up and reused for future events, saving on rental or replacement costs.

 

  1. Reduced Liability & Compliance Costs

Enhanced Crowd Safety – Proper crowd management reduces the risk of accidents, potentially avoiding costly liability claims.

Meets Regulatory Requirements – FlexSafe helps ensure compliance with ADA accessibility standards, fire safety codes, and local event regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.

Better Control of Restricted Areas – By clearly defining boundaries for VIPs, vendors, and crowds, FlexSafe minimizes the risk of overcrowding or unauthorized access, preventing costly security breaches.

  1. Increased Efficiency & Better Event Management

Improved Crowd Flow – Well-placed barriers prevent bottlenecks and ensure smooth movement of attendees, reducing the likelihood of incidents.

Clear Entry and Exit Points – FlexSafe ensures organized traffic control, reducing delays and providing attendees with a safer, more comfortable experience.

Time Savings – With fast setup and takedown, event coordinators can allocate more time for other critical aspects of event management, increasing overall productivity.

  1. Long-Term Savings

Durable & Low Maintenance – Built to withstand the wear and tear of multiple events, FlexSafe barriers require minimal maintenance and last longer than traditional barriers.

Cost-Effective for Large-Scale Events – When used for large or recurring events, the initial investment in FlexSafe pays off quickly in labor savings, reduced security costs, and reusability.

Regulations

 

Event coordinators must follow various federal regulations to ensure public safety, accessibility, and emergency preparedness. Here are some key regulations:

  1. Crowd Safety & Public Safety Regulations

OSHA General Duty Clause (29 U.S.C. § 654)

  • Requires event organizers to provide a safe environment free from recognized hazards (e.g., overcrowding, trip hazards, fire risks).

NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code (National Fire Protection Association)

  • Establishes capacity limits, emergency exits, and fire safety requirements for venues and temporary structures.

FEMA Emergency Planning Guidelines for Mass Gatherings

  • Recommends crowd control barriers, emergency action plans, and coordination with local first responders.
  1. Accessibility & ADA Compliance

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – 42 U.S.C. § 12101

  • Requires accessible pathways, seating, and entrances for people with disabilities.
  • Ensures event signage and communication methods are inclusive (e.g., braille, audio descriptions).

ADA Standards for Temporary Events

  • Mandates proper ramps, ADA-compliant barricades, and accessible restrooms at outdoor and indoor events.
  1. Traffic & Security Regulations

MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) – Part 6

  • Governs placement of barricades, signage, and traffic control for street closures and large gatherings.

DHS & FBI Guidelines for Security at Public Events

  • Recommends barrier protection, crowd flow strategies, and security checkpoints for high-risk events.

Alcohol & Crowd Control Regulations (ATF & Local Laws)

  • Requires designated drinking areas, security personnel, and ID verification for alcohol-serving events.

 Cost & Efficiency Benefits of the Flex-Safe Safety Barriers for Event Managers

  1. Lower Labor & Setup Costs

Quick & Easy Setup – Flex-Safe barriers are designed for fast, efficient deployment, cutting down on setup time and labor costs.

No Heavy Equipment Needed – Unlike traditional barriers, Flex-Safe is lightweight, requiring fewer workers and no machinery for installation.

Reusable & Modular – After the event, barriers can be easily packed up and reused for future events, saving on rental or replacement costs.

  1. Reduced Liability & Compliance Costs

Enhanced Crowd Safety – Proper crowd management reduces the risk of accidents, potentially avoiding costly liability claims.

Meets Regulatory Requirements – FlexSafe helps ensure compliance with ADA accessibility standards, fire safety codes, and local event regulations, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.

Better Control of Restricted Areas – By clearly defining boundaries for VIPs, vendors, and crowds, FlexSafe minimizes the risk of overcrowding or unauthorized access, preventing costly security breaches.

“Ordered 12 of the 84-inch orange barricades. They were easy to operate, noticeable, and light enough for anyone to carry and set up. Perfect for traffic and crowd management.”

Event Coordinator, Middle Tennessee

Make Your Event Safer