From the
Manager’s Desk:
Performing Arts
- Don Parman, Manager of
Performing Arts Programs and
Services, Actsafe Safety Association
The Reality of Emergenices
A
fter reading the fabulous articles
submitted by my safety colleagues
Eric Stuart and Desiree Hamilton, I
was left wondering what I could offer
that would add to the conversation.
Then it hit me! I could give you some
real world examples of emergency
preparedness that would resonate with
our industry.
Scenario #1
A theatre in a northern BC community was
hosting a symphony concert in mid-February
when the fire alarm was activated halfway
through the first act. Establishing it was in fact
not a drill, the volunteer ushers and theatre
manager dutifully executed their emergency
plan, which called for the immediate
evacuation of the building.
They promptly guided the audience and
symphony members outdoors into the -30
degrees winter weather, much to the dismay
and concerns of the patrons and artists
involved.
- What would your team do?
4 Safety Scene
Scenario #2
During a chat with a colleague of mine last
year, we got onto the topic of evacuation
plans. Having recently moved into new offices,
they were equipped with a new evacuation
plan for their new facility provided by the safety
engineer for the project and approved by the
municipality. It was a well written and compliant
plan, though I noticed there was a potential
issue with one of the muster points identified
in the plan. The plan called for the office to
evacuate through a fire exit onto the main
concourse of a stadium complex.
- What happens if the stadium
and your offices have to
evacuate at the same time?
Scenario #3
A tour bus caught fire outside of a large urban
venue during a show. The staff started their
evacuation plan, only to realize that they were
likely sending patrons directly into the fire zone.
After some confusion and redirection, the
patrons were redirected to other exits. No one
was injured during the event.
- How would your team react
in this scenario?
Fall 2019 Edition: Emergency Preparedness