You know what they say about old dogs and new tricks, and I certainly qualify as the former. The latter, however, is still possible as evidenced by a recent change of behavior which can help create safer spaces for everyone by using to a prudent and simple procedure: begin all gatherings with what’s called a “safety meeting”. And I’m on a new mission to spread the “safety meeting” word. Since it’s always prudent to define our terms, “gathering” and “meeting” can mean “where two or more are gathered” be it a city council meeting, a neighborhood association grouping, a Sunday school class, or when hundreds congregate for a symphony performance. Any and every time a group of people (especially children) assemble they should be given the benefit of a safety meeting.
Just the word “safety” can understandably create concern when introduced to a crowd of people who heretofore hadn’t given it a single thought. A night out to enjoy a ball game or a concert should be a time of fun and relaxation not a time of worry, right? Alas, in these days and times (and, truth be known in all times prior) it may become necessary to vacate a premise in the most efficient manner. Buckling seat belts on the way to soccer practice doesn’t prompt fear and dread among the passengers since it’s become routine and accepted as a safe way to operate. The same should become routine when people are corralled for even something as simple as a public or private presentation.
So, I’ve acquired a new awareness and habit of paying attention to my surroundings when in public as when shopping at the grocery store or attending a state conference, one of which, by the way, was recently held in Brownsville when the state Crime Stoppers herded up for training and awards. The training was top notch, and we should all be proud that Crime Stoppers of SETX brought home two, first place awards! As has become my habit, I casually perused the conference facilities and while locating and inspecting the exits wasn’t the least bit surprised to discover two of the main exits had been blocked by large, roll down shutters. I wasn’t surprised because shortly before leaving Beaumont I’d attended another meeting at a local hotel and discovered two of the room’s exit door handles had been zip tied closed. Back at the Brownsville conference one of the break-out sessions had been booked into a municipal arts theater with the session ironically being training to deal with active shooters. Again, before it began I strolled around and checked the exits only to realize there were no lights in the glass, emergency exit signs to a room with walls painted black. Not good, right?
Of those three back-to-back instances, I was given two, perfectly logical reasons for disabling the exits with the roll down shutters being activated because “it was requested to block the glare into the room”, and the lack of lights in the theater exit signs due to “their light interferes with our stage productions”. Let’s all take a couple of deep breaths together, shall we? Apart from the fact that in the room with the shutters, several other floor-to-ceiling glass panels were left unblocked and the attendees all sat with their backs to the glass wall, and in the case of black-walled theater the event wasn’t a theatrical production, and, in fact, the presenter needed the house lights up. There is no reason be it perfect or logical to block any functioning, emergency exit. I think we all realize those are the places where they find the bodies stacked after a calamity. Forget the civil and criminal liabilities blocked exits create. Locating exits and determining their functionality is just the smart and right thing to do. End of rant.
Here’s precisely what I’m strongly suggesting: when people gather for any event be it business, religious, political, or recreational and before the program begins someone should not only confirm the location of the emergency exits and make certain they are all functioning but also make a sixty second presentation to those in attendance. Make certain these things are done, and, if necessary, do it yourself. Be that person. It sounds something like this: “Before we begin, for your safety and convenience please be aware of the locations of the exit(s) to this facility” and like a flight attendant point them out with your arms extended. Continue by saying, “and should you access those exits in an emergency please keep moving once safely outside in order to make it easy for others to exit, too.” That’s the first part which takes less than thirty seconds. Next, say this, “and should you become ill, please do not go outside alone and by yourself. Tell someone else so they can go with you in case you need assistance.” That’s it. That’s a “safety meeting”. Again, it’s the smart and right thing to do. And, finally, create a safer place for yourself and your family regardless of where you are by locating emergency exits and making sure they are functional. Be bold about it if necessary. Ask the staff or manager. (Point out problems with the facilities manager.) Do you know how to exit your favorite grocery store except by the obvious, front exits? Do you know how to quickly evacuate a city council room, a community meeting facility, a civic theater, or church sanctuary? Be smart, be safe, and be well.
Originally published in Beaumont Business Journal, Heat And Humanity Column
